Ship Crate From the USA to Ireland
Introduction: Ship Crate from the USA to Ireland
Shipping a Crate from the USA to Ireland: Business Equipment and Inherited Property
A crate is the shipping solution for items that need maximum physical protection — when they are too fragile, too heavy, too valuable, or too significant to risk in a standard box or on an open pallet. For shipments from the USA to Ireland, crates serve two distinct purposes.
The first is commercial. Ireland has the highest concentration of US multinational company investment per capita of any country in the EU. US companies operating Irish manufacturing, research, and distribution facilities regularly need to ship precision equipment, machinery, medical devices, laboratory instruments, and technology hardware from the USA. Crate shipping provides the structural protection that sensitive and high-value commercial equipment requires during transatlantic transit.
The second is personal and heritage-related. Given the deep Irish-American connection — an estimated 32 million Americans have Irish ancestry — there is a regular flow of inherited personal property from the USA to Ireland: furniture, artworks, antiques, silverware, and family heirlooms left by Irish-American relatives to family members in Ireland. Crate shipping protects irreplaceable inherited items. Ireland’s Transfer of Residence relief process, specifically the C&E 1076 form, has a provision for goods imported on the occasion of inheritance, which may allow duty-free and VAT-free import.
Other ExpediShip Shipping Services from the USA to Ireland
Ship Boxes — for gift boxes and product samples. Ireland’s VAT system zero-rates food and books — understanding the four VAT rates matters for box shipments. Learn more
Ship Luggage — for personal effects with Transfer of Residence (ToR) relief and full C&E 1076 support. Learn more
Ship a Pallet — for donation freight and tradeshow pallets to RDS Dublin and The CCD. Learn more
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https://expediship.com/contacts/
Who Ships Crates from the USA to Ireland?
Who Ships Crates from the USA to Ireland?
US Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Companies
Ireland is the world’s third-largest pharmaceutical exporter by value and the EU’s largest pharmaceutical exporter. Over half of the top-selling pharmaceutical products in the USA are manufactured or packaged in Ireland. US companies including Pfizer, Eli Lilly, Johnson & Johnson, Abbvie, Bristol Myers Squibb, and dozens more operate Irish manufacturing facilities. Their Irish operations regularly import specialist manufacturing equipment, process technology hardware, laboratory instruments, and validation equipment from the USA in crates. The value and sensitivity of pharmaceutical manufacturing equipment makes crate protection essential.
Medical Device Companies
Ireland is also one of the world’s largest medical device exporters. US companies including Medtronic, Boston Scientific, Abbott, Stryker, DePuy Synthes (J&J), and many more have significant Irish manufacturing facilities. Medical devices — surgical equipment, implantable devices, imaging systems, diagnostic instruments — require crate shipping for the structural protection and custom internal foam bracing that sensitive medical hardware demands.
Technology Sector Equipment
Google, Meta, Apple, Amazon, and Microsoft all have significant Irish data centre and technology operations. US technology companies shipping specialist server hardware, networking equipment, data storage systems, or prototype devices to Irish facilities use crate shipping for the structural protection and climate-controlled packing that precision electronics require.
Irish-American Families Shipping Inherited Property
When an Irish-American family member passes away and leaves personal property to relatives in Ireland, that property often spans generations: antique furniture, silverware, family portraits, musical instruments, and household items that have been in families since before emigration. These items are irreplaceable and deserve maximum protection. ExpediShip builds custom crates matched to the specific dimensions and fragility requirements of inherited items.
Shipping Cost & Transit Time for Shipping crate from the USA to Ireland
Our prices are highly competitive — that’s why so many customers choose Expediship for shipping crate from the USA to Ireland. We offer affordable rates with reliable, professional service, guiding you step by step through the entire shipping process for crate shipment
Delivery to Ireland typically takes around 5 business days, not including customs clearance time, which may vary depending on Ireland government processing.
Below are estimated starting prices for shipping Crate from the USA to Ireland. Final cost depends on box size, pickup address, and delivery city.
| Weight Range | Starting Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 150–200 lbs | From $3.75/lbs |
| 201–300 lbs | From $3.61/lbs |
| 301–400 lbs | From $3.5/lbs |
| 401–500 lbs | From $3.0/lbs |
| 501–600 lbs | From $2.71/lbs |
| 601–700 lbs | From $2.5/lbs |
| 701–800 lbs | From $1.32/lbs |
| 801+ lbs | From $1.11 — for larger shipments, please contact customer service for an exact quote. |
Note: Prices are estimated starting rates for air freight shipments. Expediship offers door-to-door service with full tracking and customs guidance.
Irish Customs Rules for Business Equipment in a Crate
Irish Customs Rules for Business Equipment in a Crate
Ireland applies EU customs law to all business goods imported from the USA. Business equipment shipped in crates is subject to EU customs duty (at the applicable 10-digit TARIC code rate — typically 0% for most IT hardware under the WTO Information Technology Agreement, and 0% to 6.5% for most manufactured goods) and Irish VAT of 23% on the CIF value.
Revenue — Ireland’s Tax and Customs — administers all commercial import declarations through the Automated Import System (AIS). The AIS handles validation, processing, and clearance of all import declarations. Revenue’s AIS information is at revenue.ie/en/customs/businesses/electronic-systems/ais/what-is-ais/index.aspx.
Postponed VAT Accounting: Ireland’s cash flow solution for business importers
For Irish-registered businesses receiving commercial crate shipments from the USA, Postponed VAT Accounting (PVA) is Revenue’s mechanism for deferring import VAT. Instead of paying 23% VAT upfront at customs when the crate arrives — which on a $300,000 piece of pharmaceutical manufacturing equipment would mean $69,000 in upfront VAT — Postponed VAT Accounting allows the Irish business to declare and deduct the import VAT in the same periodic VAT return. The net cash effect is zero: VAT declared and VAT reclaimed in the same filing cycle, rather than paying at the border and waiting months for a refund.
PVA is available to all Irish VAT-registered businesses and is applied automatically for businesses that have opted in. Revenue’s PVA guidance is at revenue.ie.
EORI number requirement
The Irish importing company must have a valid EU EORI number. Irish business EORI numbers are formed from the company’s Tax Registration Number (TRN) preceded by “IE.” Without a valid EORI, Revenue’s AIS will reject the import declaration and the crate will be held at Dublin Airport.
Temporary import for demonstrations and testing
If business equipment is being temporarily imported for a demonstration, testing, or evaluation and will return to the USA, an ATA Carnet allows temporary import without VAT or customs duty. Revenue accepts ATA Carnets for professional equipment and business samples at uscib.org.
Importing Inherited Property to Ireland: The C&E 1076 Succession Provision
Importing Inherited Property to Ireland: The C&E 1076 Succession Provision
Ireland’s customs relief for inherited personal property is administered through the same C&E 1076 form used for Transfer of Residence — but completed under a different reason for import. The Revenue Commissioners provide customs duty and VAT relief for goods imported on the occasion of inheritance from a deceased person who was normally resident outside the EU. This is referenced in EU Regulation 1186/2009 and implemented in Ireland’s customs law.
The conditions for duty-free and VAT-free import of inherited goods
The goods must be personal property acquired by hereditary succession from a deceased person who was normally resident in the USA. This means they were genuinely owned by the deceased — not purchased new for export to Ireland.
The importer must provide official documentation from the USA confirming the inheritance. In practice, this means a certified document from the estate of the deceased — either a grant of probate from a US probate court or a notarised letter from a US estate attorney or notary confirming the death and identifying the importer as the legal heir or beneficiary. Revenue may also require an apostille certification for documents from the USA. Revenue’s guidance on imports by inheritance is at revenue.ie.
The C&E 1076 form: complete with reason “Inheritance”
The same C&E 1076 form used for Transfer of Residence personal effects is also used for inherited goods. In the C&E 1076, the reason for import is specified as “Inheritance” (or similar — confirm the exact wording with Revenue or your customs agent at the time of application). The form, the inheritance documentation, and a detailed inventory of all items must be submitted to Revenue at least two weeks before the goods arrive in Ireland — the same advance submission requirement that applies to ToR personal effects.
What qualifies under the inheritance concession?
Household furniture, personal effects, and belongings owned by the deceased. Artworks, antiques, and family heirlooms — subject to the additional EU Regulation 2019/880 rules for cultural property (which now apply in Ireland as in all EU member states from 28 June 2025 for antiques above certain age and value thresholds). Musical instruments, silverware, jewellery, and personal items owned by the deceased.
What does not qualify: alcohol and tobacco (subject to Irish excise duties regardless of the inheritance context), new goods purchased after the death, and firearms (require Garda Síochána licensing).
EU Regulation 2019/880: what it means for antiques and heritage items shipped to Ireland
From 28 June 2025, EU Regulation 2019/880 on the import of cultural goods entered full force across all EU member states including Ireland. For inherited items that include antiques over 200 years old valued above €18,000, an importer declaration confirming legal export from the USA is required before the goods can be cleared by Revenue. For at-risk categories of cultural goods over 250 years old (certain archaeological objects and dismembered monument elements), an import licence from the relevant Irish authority is required. Contact ExpediShip before shipping any inherited antiques or heritage items so we can advise on the required documentation under EU Regulation 2019/880 and Revenue’s requirements.
How to Prepare a Crate Shipment from the USA to Ireland : Step-by-Step Guide
Crating is one of the most secure and reliable methods for both domestic and international shipping, especially when transporting fragile, high-value, or oversized items. Unlike standard boxes, wooden crates provide a rigid structure that protects cargo from impact, compression, and handling damage during transit. This is particularly important for international shipments, where goods may go through multiple transfers, long transit times, and customs inspections.
When preparing a crate shipment, selecting the correct crate is the first and most important step. A strong and properly sized crate protects your goods and ensures safe transport.
Use solid wood crates or plywood crates for heavy or fragile items
For international shipping, use ISPM-15 certified (heat-treated) wood
Choose the right size to minimize empty space inside
Recommended crate sizes (based on shipment type):
Small crate: up to 48 × 40 × 36 inches (121 × 102 × 91 cm)
Medium crate: up to 60 × 48 × 48 inches (152 × 122 × 122 cm)
Large crate: up to 72 × 48 × 60 inches (183 × 122 × 152 cm)
Custom crates: for oversized items (furniture, sculptures, machinery)
Keep at least 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) space on each side for padding
Ensure the crate has a pallet-style base (forklift accessible)
Avoid weak or damaged wood
Before placing items into the crate, proper internal protection is critical.
Wrap items with foam, bubble wrap, or blankets
Protect fragile areas like corners, edges, and surfaces
Use anti-scratch and moisture protection if needed
Disassemble items (like table legs, frames) when possible
For high-value items, consider custom foam inserts
Items must not move during transit — this is one of the most important steps.
Use blocking and bracing (wood supports) inside the crate
Fill empty spaces with foam, padding, or air cushions
Use straps or tie-downs for heavy items
Ensure zero movement when shaking the crate
For machinery, consider bolting to the base
The crate structure must be strong enough to handle long-distance transport.
Use screws or nails (not just staples) to secure panels
Reinforce edges with metal brackets if needed
Seal all sides tightly
For international shipping, ensure the crate is fully enclosed
Optional: use water-resistant lining or wrap
Clear labeling ensures smooth handling and customs clearance.
Attach shipping labels on at least 2 sides
Add handling labels:
“Fragile”
“This Side Up”
“Do Not Stack” (if needed)
For international shipments:
Attach commercial invoice + packing list
Include HS code and item description
Place documents in a waterproof pouch
Before shipment, do a final check to avoid delays or damage.
Verify weight and dimensions (important for billing)
Check crate stability (no loose panels or movement)
Ensure forklift access on all sides if required
Take photos for records and insurance
Confirm pickup details and carrier requirements
Insurance Options for Shipping Boxes, Pallets, Crates, or Luggage from the USA to Ireland
Every shipment automatically includes $100 of cargo insurance free of charge — if anything is lost or damaged, you are covered up to $100 at no extra cost. Need more protection? Add full coverage for just 3% of the declared value when requesting your quote. For eligibility rules, non-insurable items, and how claims work, see our Shipping Insurance Guide.
International Shipping Prohibitions and Restrictions
Ship from USA to Ireland — Know What You Cannot Ship
Certain items cannot be received, stored, shipped, imported, or exported due to government regulations, safety concerns, or international trade laws. Transactions involving these commodities are strictly prohibited, regardless of the shipment’s origin or destination.
Note: These items are completely forbidden to be exported or imported between countries.
Shipping Process
Ship Pallet from USA to Ireland
Frequently Asked Questions When Shipping Crate from USA to Ireland
Postponed VAT Accounting (PVA) allows Irish VAT-registered businesses to defer import VAT to their periodic Revenue VAT return rather than paying it at customs clearance. For high-value commercial crate shipments — pharmaceutical equipment, medical devices, technology hardware — this eliminates the need to pre-fund large VAT amounts at the border. Revenue’s PVA information is at revenue.ie.
Yes, if you qualify. Revenue provides customs duty and VAT relief for goods inherited from a deceased person normally resident outside the EU. You must submit Form C&E 1076 to Revenue at least two weeks before the goods arrive in Ireland, with a certified inheritance document from the USA (apostilled if required), and a detailed inventory of all items. Antiques and heritage items may additionally require documentation under EU Regulation 2019/880. Revenue’s customs relief information is at revenue.ie.
Via air freight to Dublin Airport, crate shipments typically arrive in 4 to 5 business days. Revenue customs clearance through AIS for well-documented commercial or inheritance crate shipments is generally 1 to 3 additional business days. For crate shipments involving EU Regulation 2019/880 cultural property documentation, allow additional time.