Step-By-Step Guide to Importing Foods

Step-By-Step Guide to Importing Food (where there are official controls in place)

1. Register for an EORI (Economic Operator Registration and Identification) number  
2. Register as an importer with the appropriate Authority
3. To import food of non-animal origin, you need to notify your food business to the Environmental Health Service of the Health Service Executive.
   • You can do this online on the HSE website.
4. Importers of food of animal origin (including fish) must register with DAFM.
   • Get details on how to register with DAFM
5. Know the classification code (CN) of your product(s) You will need this code when completing import documentation for your product
6. Identify the type of product you will be importing because each food type has different requirements  
   • food of animal origin
   • food of non-animal origin
   • composite product
   • food contact material
   • alcohol
7. Register with TRACES NT if you are importing:
   • food of animal origin
   • composite products that require veterinary checks
   • certain foods of non-animal origin
   • fruit and vegetables
   • organic food 
8. Set up your supply chain.
   •  Ensure your suppliers can provide compliant documentation (e.g., health certificate, invoice, packing list). Confirm the product is produced in an approved establishment in an approved country for the specific product category.
9. Choose the Border Control Post (BCP).
   • Route the consignment through an Irish BCP approved for your product category, if your products require import controls at a BCP.
10. Be familiar with the documentation and notification periods for food imports and identify who is responsible for submitting the documents (i.e., the operator responsible for the consignment).
11. Consider how to simplify consignments so that products needing identity/physical checks are easily accessible to inspectors
12. Pre-notify and submit CHED
    • At least 24 hours before arrival, submit the relevant CHED (e.g., CHED‑P for animal products, CHED-D for products of non-animal origin) in TRACES NT for each product type in the consignment.
13. Upload mandatory documents (e.g., health certificate, private attestations, invoice, packing list, transport details).
14. Complete customs clearance: finalise customs procedures (duties, VAT, declarations) with Revenue.
15. Undergo import controls upon arrival at BCP
    • Consignments are subject to documentary, identity and physical checks, including possible sampling and laboratory analysis.
16. Receive the outcome of the checks in CHED Part II
    • If compliant, the CHED decision will permit release to the declared destination. If non‑compliant, the consignment will be rejected and must be re‑exported or destroyed at the importer’s expense.
17. Maintain records and compliance.
    • Keep all relevant import documentation, CHEDs, certificates, and test results. Ensure ongoing compliance with Irish/EU food law, labelling, and traceability requirements.

Note, steps for importing products of animal origin, composite products, and products of non-animal origin are different. Please see  food of animal origin, food of non-animal origin, and composite product for more details.