Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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207. To ask the Minister for Finance if measures can be introduced to reduce the red tape associated with importing goods for personal use from non-EU countries into Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2559/23]

Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Revenue, as Ireland’s Tax and Customs administration, is responsible for managing the importation and exportation of goods in accordance with European Union Customs legislation. Customs controls are necessary to protect public health, to ensure food safety and product standards and to protect EU businesses from unfair international competition thus preserving jobs for European workers including Irish workers.

I am advised by Revenue that across the European Union electronic Customs import declarations are now required for all goods coming from non-EU countries regardless of the value of the goods being sent. While goods valued at less than €150 may not be liable to a Customs duty charge, since 1 July 2021 all goods imported to the Union, regardless of their value, are liable to VAT.

In relation to importing goods for personal use, Ireland has implemented all measures available under the European Union Customs legislation to reduce the administrative burden including the introduction of an import declaration that can be used for consignments valued less than €150 which allows for the submission of significantly less information than a standard import declaration. However, as Customs is an EU competence and applies in all Member States, it is not possible for me, as Minister for Finance, to implement any further measures that are not provided for in European Union Customs legislation.