Customs and Import Tax: China to Ireland (2026)
What a parcel from China pays when it reaches Ireland, and how tax-free lines work.
The standard VAT rate is 23%. Since 1 July 2021 every parcel from outside the EU pays VAT from the first euro. Since 1 July 2026 the EUR 150 customs duty relief is gone: low-value parcels pay a flat EUR 3 customs duty per item for now (Council Regulation (EU) 2026/382), and normal duty rates are planned from 2028. KakoBuy has 5 tax-free lines to Ireland (the agent pays the import tax for you), the cheapest from $30 for 1 kg: Europe Tariffless Line -K, Europe Tariffless Line - electrified, DHL Duty-Free Fast Line J (No Battery).
Rules checked on 5 November 2026 on the official sources below. Rules change: check them before a big order.
Official sources
Tax-free shipping lines to Ireland
| Line | Days | 1 kg | 2 kg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Europe Tariffless Line -K | 7 to 15 | $30 | $49 |
| Europe Tariffless Line - electrified | 11 to 20 | $31 | $51 |
| DHL Duty-Free Fast Line J (No Battery) | 13 to 17 | $35 | $53 |
| DHL Duty-Free Fast Line H (No Battery) | 13 to 17 | $35 | $54 |
| DHL Europe Duty Free Route (allows batteries) | 13 to 17 | $35 | $55 |
All lines and prices: rep shipping to Ireland · cheapest line $30 for 1 kg.
Questions
Do I pay import tax on a parcel from China to Ireland?
The standard VAT rate is 23%. Since 1 July 2021 every parcel from outside the EU pays VAT from the first euro. Since 1 July 2026 the EUR 150 customs duty relief is gone: low-value parcels pay a flat EUR 3 customs duty per item for now (Council Regulation (EU) 2026/382), and normal duty rates are planned from 2028.
What is a tax-free shipping line?
A line where the agent pays the import tax and duty when the parcel enters the country, so nothing is asked at your door. It is part of the shipping price.
Is there a tax-free line to Ireland?
KakoBuy has 5 tax-free lines to Ireland (the agent pays the import tax for you), the cheapest from $30 for 1 kg: Europe Tariffless Line -K, Europe Tariffless Line - electrified, DHL Duty-Free Fast Line J (No Battery).
What is the VAT rate in Ireland?
23% standard rate.