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IMPORTING FROM NORTHERN IRELAND AND IRELAND TO THE UK

Importing Goods from Ireland and Northern Ireland to the UK

Successfully importing goods from Ireland and Northern Ireland to the mainland UK requires expertise and a dependable logistics partner. At Barrington Freight, we offer comprehensive import services tailored to the needs of British businesses. Our experienced team manages every aspect of the process, from liaising with Irish suppliers to navigating customs procedures and managing associated charges. 

  • Standard, Express Service and Next-Day Import from Ireland & Northern Ireland
  • Customs Clearance Support
  • Professional Experienced Team
  • Business-to-Business Deliveries
  • Large & Small Consignments Delivered
Get a free Ireland & Northern Ireland import quote today

Get in Touch to Start Importing

    Importing From Ireland & Northern Ireland to the UK

    Importing goods from the EU through Northern Ireland to mainland Britain is straightforward if you have the right know-how to back your operations. Whether you want to import directly from Northern Ireland to Great Britain or from Ireland, we can help.  Our expertise with EU and UK law, not to mention the added complexity of Northern Ireland’s unique status, allows us to help British importers at every turn.

    Whether you need help with Northern Ireland imports, assistance with transporting goods made in the Republic of Ireland to the UK or simply want guidance on the latest customs regulations covering the South, the North and the rest of the British Isles, we are on hand to offer professional services.

    To get started simply give us a call 01268 525 444 or request an online shipping quote.

    Contact us about importing from Northern Ireland
    WHY IMPORT FROM Ireland & NORTHERN IRELAND TO THE UK?

    Importing from Ireland and Northern Ireland to the UK offers several significant benefits:

    1. Proximity and Speed: The geographical closeness of Ireland and Northern Ireland ensures shorter transit times and lower transportation costs.
    2. Good Road Links: Importing goods from Northern Ireland to UK cities in the mainland is efficient by road and the direct, frictionless borders between the North and South allow for the swift transit of goods in both locations.
    3. Strong Trade Relations: The longstanding trade relationship between the UK and Ireland facilitates smoother transactions and reliable partnerships. The Republic has been a key trading partner of the UK since it was founded. Likewise, the often specialist and high-tech manufacturing industries of Northern Ireland means it has many top suppliers that serve both international and domestic markets.

    Obtain an import quote online.

    Road Freight Options When Importing From Ireland & Northern Ireland

    Barrington Freight offers a variety of road freight services to cater to your import needs from Ireland and Northern Ireland:

    1. Standard Services: Reliable transport routes via major ports such as Dublin or Belfast ensure secure and timely deliveries.
    2. Groupage Services: Ideal for smaller consignments, our groupage service consolidates multiple shipments, offering a cost-effective solution.
    3. Express Services: For urgent deliveries, our express service utilises Sprinter vans, providing rapid transit for time-sensitive goods from any location on the island of Ireland to the mainland UK.

    These options guarantee efficient and flexible import solutions tailored to the requirements of British-based businesses.

    Get a free Import Quote for Ireland today

    How Has Brexit Altered the Way British Firms Import From Northern Ireland and Ireland?

    Brexit has significantly impacted how British firms import goods from Northern Ireland. Although Northern Ireland remains part of the UK, it follows EU customs rules due to the Northern Ireland Protocol. This means goods moving between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK face new documentation and customs checks. Post-Brexit, the Republic of Ireland and the UK face new trade barriers, including customs checks and tariffs, complicating trade and increasing costs.

    Importers must navigate additional regulatory requirements to ensure compliance. Barrington Freight’s expertise helps businesses manage these complexities, ensuring a smooth import process despite the new challenges.

    Customer Reviews

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    Lauren profile picture
    Lauren
    25 September 2026
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    Have been using Barrington for over a year now. Exceptional service from the team (Joshua and Lee), always super quick to respond, secure bookings and collect from us. Never worry about a shipment when working with them. Thank you!
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    Christina Hansen profile picture
    Christina Hansen
    23 September 2026
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    Barrington Freight handled our first import from China and made a complicated job feel simple. Simon Poole guided us through the customs paperwork, postponed VAT and commodity codes patiently, answering a great many questions from someone importing for the first time. Our delivery address is a narrow street with no forklift, and he arranged a smaller vehicle with a tail-lift so the crates could be offloaded by hand without difficulty. The shipment cleared ahead of schedule and, once we'd paid, delivery was arranged for the very next day with a time window confirmed in advance. Excellent communication throughout and genuinely helpful. Highly recommended.
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    Sam McGowan profile picture
    Sam McGowan
    17 August 2026
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    Fantastic Service. Lee organised a last minute pickup from Sweden back to England. The shipment was under Carnet. Very good professional service at a competitive rate! I will be using them again.
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    Louise Ponsford profile picture
    Louise Ponsford
    13 August 2026
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    Excellent service from start to finish. Simon at Barrington Freight handled our crate of mechanical machine parts from the UK to Canada with exceptional care, keeping us informed throughout. His Canadian agent also arranged customs clearance, making the entire process straightforward and stress-free. Highly recommended.
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    Proydohi profile picture
    Proydohi
    6 August 2026
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    I would like to thank the entire Barrington Freight team for their professional work and assistance in organizing the shipment of my cargo to the UK. I will definitely use their services again. Highly recommended.
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    Mike Yeo profile picture
    Mike Yeo
    23 July 2026
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    The team at Barrington Freight were brilliant, leading us through the minefield that is exports to the EU. Nothing was too much trouble and we received immediate answers to all our many questions. We will definitely use them again and recomend them to anyone.
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    Courtney Freeman profile picture
    Courtney Freeman
    22 June 2026
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    We had a fantastic experience importing our goods from Florida and honestly couldn’t fault the service. The quote was quick and easy, booking was straightforward and everything was handled smoothly from start to finish. As this was our first import we needed a bit of guidance along the way but Simon was brilliant. He took care of everything, kept us updated throughout and was always on hand to answer our questions. What seemed like a complicated process was made incredibly simple and stress free. The customer service was excellent, communication was spot on and our shipment arrived without any issues. We wouldn’t hesitate to use them again and would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a reliable freight forwarder. Thanks again for making our first import such a positive experience!
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    Katie r Smith profile picture
    Katie r Smith
    18 June 2026
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    Simon looked after our air freight import from China and provided an excellent service throughout. The shipment arrived safely and quicker than expected, with clear communication at every stage. We were very pleased with the experience and will definitely use Simon and his team at Barrington Freight again in the future.
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    Phil Holloway profile picture
    Phil Holloway
    18 June 2026
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    We needed to get a shipment out to the USA quickly and Simon made the whole process far easier than we expected. Communication was straightforward, we were kept updated throughout, and everything arrived on time without any issues. It's refreshing to deal with someone who knows exactly what they're doing and gets things done. We'd happily use Simon again for future air freight shipments.
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    James Roberts profile picture
    James Roberts
    15 June 2026
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    Matt really looked after us and made our shipment completely stress free, I will be using the services of Barrington Freight for all my overseas shipments from now on. Thanks Matt, great service
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    General Enquiries profile picture
    General Enquiries
    23 April 2026
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    We have had consistently excellent service from Barrington Freight. Our main contact, Joshua Armstrong, is always incredibly helpful and reliable. He goes above and beyond to ensure everything runs smoothly. Communication is clear and prompt and any issues are handled quickly and efficiently. It's reassuring to know that everything is in safe hands from start to finish. I would highly recommend Barrington Freight to anyone looking for dependable and professional logistics partner.
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    George Dunster profile picture
    George Dunster
    10 April 2026
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    We had a time-critical air freight shipment coming in from China to the UK and Simon was a huge help in getting it over the line. Right before arrival, an issue came up due to a mistake from the airline, which could have turned into a real headache. Simon picked it up straight away, dealt with it quickly and managed to sort everything without any extra costs on our side. Really solid support throughout and easy to deal with, especially given the urgency. Another great job by Barrington Freight - we’ll definitely be using them again!
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    Euphoric Bedding profile picture
    Euphoric Bedding
    1 April 2026
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    Good service during a turbulent global shipping period. Special thanks goes to Lee for his efficiency and proactive updates and for rescheduling a delivery in less than 24hrs when the haulage company didn’t read their own paperwork and sent a lorry without the requested tail lift. Highly recommended.
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    The Greens profile picture
    The Greens
    5 March 2026
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    Great communication, competitive and efficient delivery
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    Shannon Sharp profile picture
    Shannon Sharp
    4 March 2026
    Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
    We’ve worked with Barringtons for the past two years, and the service has been excellent throughout. Every shipment has been handled with great care and real personal attention. A special thanks to Simon, who has been outstanding—always professional, responsive, and a pleasure to work with. Highly recommended!
    IMPORT INFORMATION FOR IRELAND AND NORTHERN IRELAND

    Processes, Taxation and Duty For Irish Products or When Importing Goods From Northern Ireland to the UK

    VAT When Importing from Ireland and Northern Ireland

    When importing goods from the Republic, import VAT must be paid upon entry into the UK. Businesses can reclaim this as input VAT, provided they are VAT-registered.

    For Northern Ireland, the VAT treatment remains similar to pre-Brexit due to the Northern Ireland Protocol, which allows goods to move freely between Northern Ireland and the EU. Ensure your VAT registration is up-to-date, especially if your business turnover is near or above the threshold.

    Import Duty Requirements For Irish and Northern Ireland Imports

    For goods imported into the UK from the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, the requirements differ due to the Northern Ireland Protocol:

    • Republic of Ireland:
      • Customs Declarations: Goods imported from the Republic of Ireland into the UK are subject to standard customs procedures, including declarations and potential import duties.
      • Import Duties: Depending on the type of goods, import duties may apply, in line with the UK’s Global Tariff schedule.
    • Northern Ireland:
      • No Customs Checks: Goods moving from Northern Ireland to the rest of the UK are not subject to customs checks or import duties, as Northern Ireland remains part of the UK customs territory.
      • EU Goods: If the goods are at risk of moving into the EU (through Northern Ireland), they may be subject to EU tariffs unless they meet specific criteria to avoid this.
    Your Step-By-Step Guide For Arranging Imports From Ireland

    To import goods from the Republic of Ireland, British firms must: 

    1. Verify Compliance: Ensure the goods you wish to import meet UK regulations, including safety and quality standards.
    2. Obtain an EORI Number: This registration is required for trading with Ireland and Northern Ireland.
    3. Identify the Correct Commodity Code: Proper classification determines applicable tariffs and duties.
    4. Complete Necessary Declarations: Barrington Freight can assist with customs declarations to ensure compliance.
    5. Book Transportation: Choose from full-load, groupage, or express road freight options, utilising routes via Dublin, Rosslare, or Belfast.
    6. Prepare for Customs: Ensure your import agent in Ireland has prepared your shipping documentation or ask us to help with this process.
    The Most Common Imports From Ireland to the UK

    Ireland exports a wide variety of goods to the UK, making it an essential trade partner. Some of the top imports from Ireland include:

    • Pharmaceuticals: High-quality medical products and drugs.
    • Machinery and Equipment: Advanced industrial and agricultural machinery.
    • Chemicals: Various chemical products used in multiple industries.
    • Electronics: Consumer electronics and industrial electronic components
    • Manufactured Goods: Including machinery and transport equipment.
    • Textiles and Apparel: Quality clothing and fabrics.
    Why Trust Barrington Freight When Importing From Ireland?

    Choosing Barrington Freight to transport goods from Ireland and Northern Ireland to the UK ensures a seamless and efficient import process. Here’s why we stand out:

    • Expert Knowledge: Our team has extensive experience with Irish and Northern Irish import regulations, ensuring smooth customs clearance and compliance.
    • Door-to-Door Freight Solutions: We offer a range of services, including full-load, groupage and express options, tailored to meet your specific needs.
    • Strategic Route Planning: Our familiarity with optimal routes and key ports optimises logistics.
    • Nationwide UK Coverage: We provide comprehensive coverage across the UK, ensuring timely deliveries.
    • Dedicated Support: Our friendly operations team offers continuous support and can act as your import agent in Ireland from our headquarters in Essex.

    Turn to Barrington Freight for reliable and expert road haulage services for your imports from Ireland and Northern Ireland.

    Get a free import quote today
    Contact Us for Affordable Imports to the UK from Ireland

    Our transport options can accommodate even the most unique requests, whether they be UK and EU pallets and cargo or larger and strangely shaped products. Big or small, light or heavy, Barrington Freight is on hand to cater to all your freight needs at a competitive price.

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    Barrington Freight Ltd,
    Bowden House,
    Luckyn Lane, Basildon,
    Essex SS14 3AX