Declaration of Conformity

Declaration of Conformity (CE marking)
The European Community require certain standards on product safety for certain types of goods. The range of products covered by the directives must comply with the applicable directives when it is placed on the community market for the first time or put into use. Placing on the market in the meaning of the directives is the action of making a product available for the first time, either for payment or free of charge. 'Putting into service' takes place at the moment of first use within the Community by the end user (for example, produced for own use of the importer).

Range of products
The most important products are toys, in-vitro diagnostic medical devices, medical devices, machinery, low voltage equipment, safety devices (for example, helmets), exhaust systems and electromagnetic compatibility.For a full overview please see the EU website:

http://www.newapproach.org/Directives/DirectiveList.asp

Responsibilities
Manufacturers are defined as the persons responsible for designing and manufacturing products supposed to be placed on the EU market. The manufacturer has an obligation to ensure that a product intended to be placed on the Community market is designed and manufactured, and it's conformity assessed, to the essential requirements in accordance with the provisions of the directives. The manufacturer may appoint any natural or legal person, established in the European Union, to act on his behalf as an authorized representative.

The authorized representative may be addressed by the authorities of the member states in regard to the manufacturer's obligations.

The importer is defined as any legal or natural person responsible for placing products on the EU market. He is responsible to provide the market surveillance authority with the necessary information about the safety of the product and a copy of the Declaration of Conformity (DoC). If the manufacturer is established in the EU or has a so called authorized representative it is his obligation to provide the necessary information.

Conformity Assessment Procedure
Goods subject to the regulations on product safety need to be tested according to the rules applying for each group of products. Manufacturers have to draw up an EC declaration of conformity which is the first step of the conformity assessment procedure. The declaration of conformity has to include technical information containing the way of testing and the steps to be taken to obtain the attestation of conformity. The way of testing and steps to be taken depends on the type of product. If the testing was successful the producer is allowed to apply the so called 'CE sign' on the product or where this is not applicable (for example, surgical instruments) at the retail package or on a "Declaration of Conformity" certificate.

The "Declaration of Conformity" has to be issued by a notified body certified by a member state of the European Union.

Notified Body
A notified body is an organization certified by the national government to carry out the tasks of the conformity assessment procedures. They can offer their service to any economic operator inside and outside the European Community. They can carry out the tests or monitor the tests carried out by the manufacturer. They can carry out these activities inside the EU or on the territory of third countries or territories.

Information about notified bodies and notified bodies itself can be found on the EU website:

http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/newapproach/nando

For additional information, please also refer to "Product Safety".

Free Trade Agreements

Bilateral free trade agreements or unilateral autonomous preferential agreements allow the import clearance of certain products with a reduced duty rate or with a full duty exemption. The products benefiting from the preferential treatment must fulfil the necessary rules of originating in a country or territory covered by the preferential trade agreement.

An exporter who wants his products to benefit from the preferential treatment must be able to prove that his products fulfill the rules to be originating in a country or territory covered by the preferential trade agreement and they must provide a preferential document validated by the customs authorities or document with a valid preferential statement issued by themselves.

The preferential trade agreement foresees the following preferential proofs under CETA-see Miscellaneous.

Import License

Customs may require an import license for certain products from certain countries or territories, depending on the harmonized tariff code.

The importer must obtain the import license. An original export license from the exporter of the country or territory of origin might be necessary to obtain the import license.

The requirement of an import license is dependent on the country or territory of origin of the goods not the country or territory of export. For further detailed information it is highly recommended to contact your chamber of commerce.

Miscellaneous

The EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) is a trade agreement between the European Union (EU) and Canada. Under this agreement duty rates on traded goods can be reduced or eliminated.

All exporters of consignments of goods with a value greater than 6000 EUR to Canada must be registered in the Registered Exporters System (REX). If you register and are exporting consignments of goods with a value greater than 6000 EUR to Canada you can avail of preferences under CETA. To register you should register complete the EU exporters to Canada application form and send it to the Origin and Valuation Unit.

Exporters must use their REX number on the origin declaration to claim preference under CETA. If you are importing from Canada, you can qualify under CETA for preferences, but you do not have to register in REX.

The origin declaration, the text of which is given below, must be completed in accordance with the footnotes. However, the footnotes do not have to be reproduced.

(Period: from___________ to __________(1)) The exporter of the products covered by this document (customs authorization No ...(2)) declares that, except where otherwise clearly indicated, these products are of ...(3) preferential origin. ..(4) (Place and date) .(5) Signature and printed name of the exporter)__________________

(1) When the origin declaration is completed for multiple shipments of identical originating products within the meaning of Article 19.5, indicate the period of time for which the origin declaration will apply. The period of time must not exceed 12 months. All importations of the product must occur within the period indicated. Where a period of time is not applicable, the field can be left blank.

(2) For EU exporters: When the origin declaration is completed by an approved or registered exporter the exporter's customs authorization or registration number must be included. A customs authorization number is required only if the exporter is an approved exporter. When the origin declaration is not completed by an approved or registered exporter, the words in brackets must be omitted or the space left blank. For Canadian exporters: The exporter's Business Number assigned by the Government of Canada must be included. Where the exporter has not been assigned a business number, the field may be left blank.

(3) "Canada/EU" means products qualifying as originating under the rules of origin of the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement. When the origin declaration relates, in whole or in part, to products originating in Ceuta and Melilla, the exporter must clearly indicate the symbol "CM".

(4) These indications may be omitted if the information is contained on the document itself.

(5) Article 19.3 provides an exception to the requirement of the exporter's signature. Where the exporter is not required to sign, the exemption of signature also implies the exemption of the name of the signatory.

The European Commission provides detailed guidance on the rules of origin in the EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA)

MSDS-NON DG

Goods under IATA Special Provisions A67 require a MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet).

It is not required for all, however shipments can be held by local authority in United Arab Emirates after screening due to lack of MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) or NON DG (Dangerous Goods) declaration letter from the shipper resulting to misconnections and impacting end-to-end service.

It would be advisable for all shipments originating, transiting and terminating for UAE to have MSDS or NON DG declaration from shipper enclosed in the shipment and copies to be uploaded in IDIS.

Product Safety

Market Surveillance
Market Surveillance is organized and performed at national level. Each member state of the European Union (EU) is responsible for surveillance activities on its territory. Customs authorities are usually part of the market surveillance activities.

On customs request the "Declaration of Conformity" has to be provided by the shipper, the manufacturer or his assigned representative in the EU or the importer. No CE checks are made for shipments for private individuals.

Declaration of Conformity
The Declaration of Conformity (DoC) is a document in which the manufacturer, or his authorized representative within the EU, indicates that the product meets all the necessary requirements of the directives applicable for the specific product. The DoC shall contain the name and the address of the manufacturer along with information about the product (for example, brand and serial number). The DoC must be signed by an individual working for the manufacturer or his authorized representative.

On request, the manufacturer or his authorized representative within the EU must provide the DoC. In case the manufacturer is not an EU entity and has no authorized representative, the importer must be able to provide a copy of the DoC and additional proofs if requested.

National Requirements
For some commodities the conformity with the product safety regulations must be declared by the importer within the customs declaration. The DoC is required as a valid proof for the safety of the products and their compliance with the directives. These commodities are:

• medical devices
• other commodities not concerned up to

Spot checks are carried out and RTS'd to the shipper if no CE marking. Customs procedure time is 3-4 days.

No Information found on this topic for the selected country or territory.

Clearance Comments

Consignees that are tax-registered companies can import UPS Worldwide Shipments with a value of 254.00 Euros or less and where the duty amount does not exceed 10.00 Euros without paying duty or tax at the point of import.

After Customs releases the shipment, the importer pays tax directly to the tax authorities.

Customs may still inspect the shipment to verify risk or to expose contraband.

Private, unregistered consignees must pay tax at the point of import, regardless of the value of the shipment.

Duty and Taxes

Please note that not only the value(s) of the commodity/commodities have to be considered when calculating duty and tax, but also the freight charge and other fees.

Payment by Credit Card

Credit card payments are accepted upon delivery for freight and import charges by this destination. Contact UPS or the UPS service partner in the destination country or territory to determine which credit cards are accepted.

Restrictions may apply for freight collect shipments from the origin country or territory. Contact UPS or the UPS service partner in the origin country or territory prior to shipping.

Post Office Boxes

UPS cannot deliver to a P.O. Box address. All packages require a consignee's contact name and complete street address including apartment, suite or unit number if applicable. The consignee's telephone number should be provided if known.

Service is provided to and from every address in the country or territory.

UPS cannot deliver to a P.O. Box address. All packages require a consignee's contact name and complete street address including apartment, suite or unit number if applicable. The consignee's telephone number should be provided if known.

Rest Days:

Saturday, Sunday, and official holidays.

GMT:

Spring +0100/ Fall +0000

Language:

English

Currency:

European Monetary Unit (Euro)(EUR)

Shipping Charges

• Shipping charges can be billed to the shipper, receiver or a third party.
• When billing the receiver, either the shipper or receiver's account number is required.
• When billing to a third party, the third party's name, country or territory and account number are required.

Duties and Taxes

• Duties and taxes can be billed to the shipper, receiver or a third party.
• When billing a third party, the third party's name, country or territory and account number are required.
• If the duties and taxes are billed to an account outside of the destination country or territory, a "Duty and Tax Forwarding" surcharge will be applied.

Third-Party Billing

• Please note the following third party billing exceptions:
  • Shipments to and from the same country or territory (domestic shipments) cannot be billed to third party payors in other countries or territories. For example, shipments from Mexico to Mexico or Canada to Canada cannot be billed to a third party payor in the U.S. This rule does not apply to UPS domestic services in European Union countries or territories. For example, shipments from Germany to Germany can be billed to a third party payor in the U.S. (as long as the payor is a business and has a VAT or Tax/EIN ID on file with UPS).

Payment Methods

• When paying by credit card, check, or cash, only the shipper can be billed the shipping charges

Split Duty And VAT (SDV)

• The freight and duties can be billed to the shipper or a third party
• The taxes can be billed to the receiver or a third party
• A surcharge will be applied for the SDV billing option

There are special stipulations on the following commodities when shipping to Ireland (Republic of). If you plan to ship one of the commodities listed below, be sure to adhere to the following stipulations in order to avoid delays and holds at customs.

Animal Products

Products Of Animal Origin are goods which contain at least partly material derived from the body of an animal. These products can be divided in food or non-food.

Food means any substance, whether processed, semi-processed or raw, which is intended for human consumption, but does not include cosmetics or substances used only as pharmaceuticals.

Non-Food (not intended for human consumption) includes animal by-products, animal feed, samples for testing or research purposes (food-grade or non-food grade), and in vitro diagnostics (IVD).

Animal products and animal by-products are often subject to a veterinary inspection. These products can only be accepted under a special contract for International Special Commodities (ISC). In addition those products must undergo veterinary checks at an approved Veterinary Border Inspection Post (BIP) when entering the EU & EFTA countries or territories (EU regulations are aligned for EU countries or territories and NO; IS; CH; LI).

For UPS shipments arriving in the EU by air, Cologne is the first point of arrival /BIP. Inspections will be processed at Cologne but final customs clearance process will be issued in the destination country or territory.

Additional charges for Vet-inspection will be applicable see Brokerage Services and Charges.

Import requirements:

Generally, each type of Product of Animal Origin has specific import requirements that must be met. Food which is subject to veterinary inspections must:

Come from an EU listed Third Country or Territory (no safeguard measures in place)

Come from an EU approved establishment . Registered producers are listed under the following link: http://ec.europa.eu/food/international/trade/third_en.htm

Be accompanied by appropriate Health Certificate(s), signed by a veterinarian of the competent authority of country or territory of export. Photocopies of the Health Certificate will not be accepted.

Be appropriately packaged and labelled, indicating the nature, ingredients, quantity/ weight, the country or territory of origin and manufacturer.

Any foodstuff coming from non-approved establishments, sent as samples for testing purposes, can only be imported with a permit/license from a respective national veterinary authority. The permit/license must be send to the border inspection point responsible for the veterinary inspection. Delays may occur as the license needs to be provided already at the time of inspection.

Any non-compliant shipment must be returned at shippers expense immediately. The following exemptions apply to non-commercial shipments / gift shipments or purchased by private individuals for private consumption):

Meat, meat products, animal fat - max. 10 kg from Faroe Island and Greenland.

Fish and fish products (with intestines and organs removed) - max. 20 kg from all third countries or territories; no limitation from Faroe Islands.

Other animal products (for example, honey, egg, frog, live mussels - max. 10 kg from Faroe Islands and Greenland, and max. 2 kg from all other third countries or territories).

Clothing

Please see Textiles.

CD Roms

An invoice is required on all shipments containing a CD-Rom/Disk. Invoice should indicate the value of the Recording Media (eg. CDR/DVD) & the Intellectual/statistical value of the software/data separately

Dairy

Cheese, milk, and milk products are considered Animal Products.

Dental Instruments

The invoice must include a statement indicating whether the goods are to be permanent fixtures in the mouth.

Films

The invoice should include the length and width of the film. A statement is needed declaring the commodities do not contain any pornographic material. This also applies to audio and video tapes.

Fish and Fish Products

Fish and fish products are considered Animal Products.

Note: The only exception to this is for fish and fish products up to 1 kg which does not require a veterinarian inspection or health certificate, if they are gift shipments between private individuals.

Food

If the food products are made of animal products, please see "Animal Products/Dairy".

Based on the EU regulation 2009/669/EC certain foodstuffs (for example tea with origin China) imported from certain third countries or territories are subject to increased level of official controls due to contamination risks of these products by aflatoxinson and pathogens. These controls are carried out at Designated Point of Entries (DPE) defined by each member state.

The import of feed and food originating in or consigned from Japan following the accident at the Fukushima nuclear power station and not subject to vet inspection can only be imported into the EU through Designated Point of Entries (DPE). They mustbe accompanied by a declaration attesting that the goods are either harvested or processed before March 11, 2011, originated from a prefecture other than the ones affected by higher levels of radiation or if originated from an affected prefecture have been subjected to laboratory analysis determining the level of certain radionuclides (regulation 2011/297/EC).

The customs offices responsible for our import sites are not all defined as DPE. Commodities subject to import controls at a DPE can only be imported via UPS import ports where the responsible customs office is defined as DPE. Possible import site is Dublin.

Food Supplements

Food Supplements in Tablet or Capsule form are exempt from Ireland Tax (VAT), but are liable to varying rates of Customs Duty depending on the commodity. Food Supplements in powder form are liable to the standard VAT rate, and are liable to varying rates of Customs Duty depending on the commodity.

A proper contents description (sugar, glucose, milk protein, etc.) of the goods shipped (sugar, glucose, milk protein, etc.) is essential to determine Taxes and Duty Liabilities and will ensure on time delivery. There is additional duty on milk protein, milk sugar and other sugars calculated on base percentage of each component and the total weight of the product.

Import delays may occur.

Hazardous Materials

UPS provides International Dangerous Goods service for shipments between the U.S. and certain European countries or territories by contract only.

Accessorial charges apply as follows:

Hazardous Materials Class 9 (HAZ)

Hazardous Materials All Other Classes (HAN)

Honey

The European Union (EU) has placed an import ban on Honey from certain countries or territories.

Before shipping Honey to a European Union country or territory, it is highly recommended to contact your local chamber of commerce or your importer for detailed information.

If the importation is allowed by the European Union, the shipment must be accompanied by an original health certificate provided by the shipper/producer, otherwise, importation will not be possible. Furthermore, a vet inspection at the first point of arrival into the EU is required, even for sample shipments.

Brokerage accessorial charges will apply and an import delay may occur.

If the shipper fails to verify the import regulation of the destination country or territory and sends honey which is prohibited by the European Union, then all charges that may apply for the respective shipment will be billed back to the shipper.

Intercompany Data on CD-Rom/Disk

Data shipments to Ireland require an invoice with the value included for the data only.

Meat

Meats are considered Animal Products.

Medicine

Some medicaments are restricted for import to Ireland by the Irish Medicine Board. In order for companies or private individuals to import medicaments which are subject to these controls to Ireland, the commercial importer must hold an import license from the Department of Health or a private importer must have a prescription from a doctor and have this available to provide details or the license itself to UPS, when required.

If the medicines are prescription medicines and are for a Irish citizen, there must be a prescription with the package. The importer should also contact the Irish Medicines Board prior to import, otherwise there will be delays. The Irish Medicines Board will determine if the medicines are acceptable for import prior to import (Phone 353-1-6343434).

For Foreign citizens, there should be a prescription with the package. There should also be something on the package confirming the importers citizenship (copy of a passport etc.). It is also suggested that the Irish Medicines Board be contacted prior to import to avoid delays.

Imports for companies (Commercial Importers) require more attention. The importer license must be held prior to import and the commercial importers place of business (storage facility) must be approved by the HSE (Health Service Executive). The Irish Medicines Board should also be contacted to confirm the goods are acceptable for import. Failure to have a import license or approved premises will lead to delays and possible return to shipper.

Parts

The invoice should state a description of the part, type of machine for which the part is used, and the parts components.

Petfood

Pet food containing animal products may be imported into Ireland if an original Health Certificate from the country or territory of origin is provided, or if the importer provides an import license from the Department of Agriculture. However, pet foods from certain countries or territories may not be accepted to Ireland, dependant on the Department of Agriculture regulations at the time of import. Please contact your chamber of commerce.

Shoes

In order to avoid wrong customs declarations at import, it is mandatory that the exporter provide very detailed information about the shoes (for example, what kind of leather, what material used for soles and uppers, what kind of shoes (sport shoes, sandals, boots), who is to wear the shoes (children, women, men).

Software

Write the value of the media separately from the value of the data on the invoice.

Test Reagent

Most of modern test reagents for diagnostic research are built on antibodies which are generated from animal tissue. There are two types of antibodies, the monoclonal antibodies and polyclonal antibodies.

Monoclonal antibodies are generated in vitro. Tissue from animals are taken (e.g. blood) and infected with certain substances or pathogens. The blood cells react with the production of antibodies which are than harvested and used for the production of the test kits. Due to the in vitro production and the controlled way of production those types of test kits are not subject to veterinarian control if it is a commercial production.

Polyclonal antibodies are gained from living animals like rabbits. They are infected with the substances / pathogens and the animals are producing antibodies. The antibodies are harvested from the blood stream of the animals. Test reagents with polyclonal antibodies are subject to vet inspections.

Shipment documents (commercial invoice or declaration on letterhead) should include:

the place of origin of the material

the quantity of the material, in weight or volume

a description of the material/ animal source

catalogue number and price (if available)

additives (e.g., sodium azide, glycerol), their source (e.g., whole serum, supernatant, ascites), and purification, if any.

protocols the recommended protocol or datasheet indicating any unique fixation, detergent, blocking, or incubation conditions.

the intended use (commercial/ manufacturing; research/ testing)

the name and address of the shipper

the name and address of the receiver

Commercially packaged, ready-to-use In Vitro Diagnostics (IVD) containing products of animal of origin, do not require a Vet-inspection, if compliant with Directive 98/79/EC on In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices. A declaration of conformity (CE-marking) must be provided for each individual commodity (e.g. reagents, test kits, immunosorbent assays such as ELISA kits.

Textiles

A certificate of origin is not required for the import clearance of textiles. The need of a certificate of origin for the import clearance was reversed on October 24, 2011.

The country or territory of origin must be stated on the invoice for each invoice line. If the customs authorities doubt the correctness of the declared country or territory of origin they may request an additional proof which might be a certificate of origin.

USB Sticks

Data shipments require an invoice with the character of the USB stick (storing intercompany data) and the value of the USB Stick.

Shipment value amount:

45.00 European Monetary Unit (Euro) EUR

Shipment type:

individual-to-individual

Exemption rule:

per person

Invoice

Non-document shipments to Ireland must include 1 original and 2 copies of an invoice.

Shipments of documents do not require an invoice.

The consignee's telephone number is required on the invoice for shipments to private individuals with a value above 22.00 EUR.

The consignee's mobile number and e-mail address should also appear on the invoice if available.

Where Incoterms applied, this should include the city shipped to, for example DDP Dublin where shipped Free Domicile. This will help to avoid clearance delays.

Unacceptable Data Entries

Europe customs authorities have started to inspect shipments on Import Control System (I.C.S.).

Many of the inspected shipments were obviously selected because of the inadequate description of the goods.

This is a reminder that shipments to all European Union member states, Norway and Switzerland, must have a correctly keyed description of the goods on the invoice (for example):

Unacceptable	Acceptable
Apparel	Men's Shirts, Lingerie, Girls' Vests, Boys', Jackets
Auto Parts	Automobile Brakes, Windshield Glass for Automobiles
Electronics	Computers, televisions, CD Players, Walkmans, Tape Recorders, Mobile phones, Monitors, Printers
Gifts	Dolls, Remote Control Cars Household goods Plates, Dishes, Tableware

A list has been published in the 'Guidelines on acceptable and unacceptable terms for the description of goods for exit and entry summary declarations':

http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/resources/documents/customs/policy_issues/customs_security/
acceptable_goods_description_guidelines_en.pdf

Paperless Invoice - Exports

UPS Paperless Invoice is available for small package exports from this country or territory.

Paperless Invoice - Imports

UPS Paperless Invoice is accepted by Customs for small package imports into this country or territory.

The destination country or territory classifies the following items as document shipments. The items must have no commercial value. If criteria are listed, the shipment must meet the criteria to classify as a document shipment.

Airline Tickets

Validated airline tickets only

Annual Reports

Must be for shareholders or for intercompany use only.

Bids

Blueprints

Must be for intercompany use or a bid invitation (such as architectural plans to obtain a contract inside the European Union) and have no commercial value.

Brochures

Must be non-commercial brochures or for intercompany use only.

Business Cards

Document limit: up to 15 business cards

Checks

Must be personalized checks

Credit Cards

Personalized credit cards

Diplomas

Drivers License

Event Tickets

Tickets for events like stage performances, football matches or concerts can be sent as documents.

Event tickets coming from a printing company and sent to the organizer of the event or ticket sales offices cannot be sent as documents.

Examination Papers

Greeting Cards, Invitations

Must be personalized to be considered documents.
Non-personalized greeting cards and invitations are considered non-documents and require an invoice.

Manuals (Technical)

The number of manuals must be appropriate for the purpose

Negatives

Must be negatives, slides, or printing films being sent to press or publishing agencies.
If the value includes press or editorial charges, the items are considered non-documents and require an invoice.

Newsletters (Company)

Document: intercompany shipments for intercompany use with no commercial value
Non-document: shipments from a publisher or printing company

Newspapers

Must be for non-commercial purposes

Stationery

Must be personalized stationery and have no commercial value. The amount (number of pieces) must be appropriate for non-commercial use.

Traveler's Checks

Must be personalized to be considered documents.

Visa Applications

UPS can recommend which forms you need based on a few simple criteria. Forms can be completed online or printed. See which forms you need.

In addition to the prohibited commodities listed here, it is prohibited to ship the following commodities to Ireland (Republic of).

Alcoholic Beverages

Customs restricts the importation of alcohol, including wine. Before sending alcohol to Ireland the shipper must appoint an approved and regulated agent, who acts as fiscal representative and is fully responsible for customs clearance. After UPS receives the final customs clearance documents back, we deliver the shipments to the final consignee. This procedure also applies to intra-EU shipments.

Private individuals are allowed to import only a small quantity of alcohol (max. 2-3 bottles).

Accessorial charges may apply, import delays may occur.

UPS does not offer the service of importation of alcohol.

CITES Shipments

Endangered plants and animals protected by the multilateral treaty of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), must be accompanied by a valid CITES Certificate.

All import, export, re-export and introduction from the sea of species covered by the Convention has to be authorized through a licensing system.

Shipper needs to provide the following documentation:

Invoice with the scientific name and CITES certificate.

Additional charges will be applicable. Products of animals or plants subject to CITES can only be accepted under a special contract for International Special Commodities (ISC).

Electronic Cigarette

Electronic Cigarettes can only be shipped with an International Special Commodities (ISC) contract.

Electronic Cigarettes can be imported for Private Individuals but Commercial Companies need a Wholesale Licence to import into Ireland.

Jewelry

The importation of jewelry may require special customs clearance by a Government Agency known as the Dublin Assay Office. UPS Brokerage will forward the import paperwork to the Assay Office for customs purposes. The Assay Office will inspect and rate the items. After this has been done the Assay Office will complete clearance and levy the duties and taxes. UPS will then deliver the shipments to the Assay Office. Once the shipments have been delivered to the Assay Office there is generally no further action that UPS need to take. The consignee will be contacted and the shipments may be posted out by the Assay Office or collected directly by the intended consignee.

For costume jewelry it may be the case that UPS is contacted by the Assay Office, asked to pick up the shipment and deliver directly to the intended consignee. It might also be the case that the Assay Office authorises UPS to clear a shipment if it does not require assaying.

Personal Effects

Customers must use an authorized UPS / MBE (Mail Boxes Etc) Store, UPS Customer Center or an ISC approved shipper to ship personal effects.

The UPS Store, Mail Boxes Etc., UPS Customer Center and ISC approved shipper will be required to identify personal effect shipments on the shipping label by placing "ISC-Personal Effects" in the Reference Field of a UPS "smart" label or in the Special Instructions Field of a UPS waybill. They must also clearly indicate 'Personal Effects' shipment on the Commercial Invoice.

Personal Effects are classified as used items (owned for a minimum of 6 months) intended for the consignee's personal use. Any items intended for any other use, such as wholesale or retail sales, business purposes, or for distribution are not considered personal effects and cannot be shipped on this basis. "Personal Effects" must be clearly stated on the invoice and goods description.

Personal effects can be imported for several reasons. Different customs procedures and requirements may apply:

Unaccompanied Baggage
Unaccompanied baggage is baggage imported unaccompanied by the owner. Form C&E 104A is used for the clearance of unaccompanied baggage from third countries or territories and is to be presented to customs. While it may be presented by an agent/representative, the form must be completed and signed by the owner of the goods.

If the pro forma invoice shows that it's a shipment with unaccompanied baggage UPS contact the consignee. If the consignee confirms the goods as unaccompanied baggage UPS forward a form C&E 104A which the consignee has to sign. Once returned to UPS both paperwork and package are presented to Customs for examination to confirm contents are "Personal Effects".

Permanent Relocation
Persons relocating permanently can import their personal effects without paying duty and VAT. The duty and VAT exemption is limited to personal effects (e.g. household goods, clothing) older than six months. Additional documents required to be presented by the consignee are:

• Proof of residence in the foreign country or territory (e.g. rental bills, utility bills)
• A letter of the employer is helpful (e.g. termination of the contract)
• Passport copy
• A detailed list of content (e.g. pro forma invoice) with the values of the commodities

Form C&E 1076 has to be filled and signed by the originator of the goods. Accessorial charges may apply and may experience delays in time in transit. Prohibited articles listed in the UPS service guide cannot be accepted as personal effects.

Temporary Relocation
Persons relocating temporarily for studying at a university can import their personal effects without paying duty and VAT. The duty and VAT exemption is limited to personal items. New items for personal use may or may not be subject to duty and VAT. Additional documents required to be presented by the consignee are:

• Confirmation of the University stating that the person is enrolled at the University
• Detailed list of items with their values

Form C&E 104A has to be filled and signed by the originator of the goods. Personal effects may experience delays in time in transit. Accessorial charges may apply.

Plants

According to the customs legislation, living plants, parts of plants, fruits, vegetable and seeds are considered to be plants.

The importation of plants is highly restricted by the Department of Agriculture/Horticulture. The importer must apply for an import license if shipment is acceptable for importation. The shipper must provide an original Phytosanitary certificate. It is highly recommended that shipper and importer check the import restrictions before shipping the goods.

Plastic Kitchenware

The European Union (EU) has implemented specific conditions and detailed procedures for the import of plastic kitchenware (HS-Code 3924 1000 11) made of polyamide and melamine and originated in or consigned from China or Hong Kong (regulation 284/2011). Tableware (for example, plates, flatware, cups) are excluded from the restrictions. The reason for the new regulation were notifications and alerts by the European 'Rapid Alert System'- kitchen tableware was recognized which exceed the thresholds of aromatic amines and formaldehyde released into food.

Based on the regulation, controls must be performed at the point of introduction into the EU by the competent authorities. They include documentary checks on all consignments and identity or physical checks (including laboratory checks) on 10% of the consignments. All consignments of kitchen tableware (HS code 3924 1000) originated or consigned from China or Hong Kong must be accompanied by a declaration confirming that it meets the requirements concerning the release of primary aromatic amines and formaldehyde. The declaration shall be accompanied by a laboratory report that the consignments fulfill the requirements.

The goods and declaration must be examined at the first point of introduction into the EU.

The consignments shall be notified at the first point of introduction at least two working days in advance.

Our main points of entry (Cologne, Germany and East Midlands, United Kingdom) are not competent to perform the checks and forwarding under bond is prohibited without the checks. Products covered by the new regulation and destined to the EU can't be accepted by UPS. Exporters should clearly state on the invoice the material and the country or territory of origin of plastic kitchenware to avoid holds on commodities not subject to the regulation.

Seeds

Please see "Plants".

Tobacco Products

Tobacco products are subject to excise duty. The excise duty based on the amount of tobacco products (number of pieces, weight of tobacco) and the market value. Tobacco products cannot be imported and customs cleared with UPS.

Saturday Delivery Available: Yes

Not available in all areas. Always check the international time in transit system for details of service availability within a country or territory.

Always check Calculate Time and Cost for details of service availability and guarantee information within a country or territory. All Service Levels may not be available to or from every address within a country or territory.

Canada to Ireland (Republic of)

• UPS Worldwide Expedited

• UPS Worldwide Express

• UPS Worldwide Express Plus

• UPS Worldwide Express Saver

• UPS WorldWide Express Freight

Embassy or Diplomatic

The Embassy in Ireland must provide a special clearance form (letter) in original.

Write "diplomatic goods" on the invoice to expedite Customs clearance.

Customs does not charge duty or taxes for diplomatic shipments.

An import delay may occur, depending on the importer responsiveness

Inward Procesing (Repair & Return)

Inward Processing Relief (repair, processing and return)

The customs procedure of inward processing is used for goods who are supposed to be processed or repaired inside the European Union and re-exported after processing or repair. Inward processing on a regular base has to be authorized by the custom authorities. The import procedure requires customs control till the correct re-export of the goods.

The importer is obliged to re-export the items during the period granted for repair within the authorisation for inward processing.If the re-export fails within this given period,duty and VAT becomes due. Customs inspections with the import and re-export clearance is very likely. The invoice must clearly state that goods are being imported for the purpose of inward processing.

In a simplified way inward processing can be authorized on shipment level (e.g. only one broken should be repaired). The requirements are much higher. A provision of security to cover duty and VAT is very likely. A customs inspection is mandatory. Additional costs apply. It is very often easier to import these items within the customs procedure for returned goods if they where originally exported from Ireland and the export declarations are still available. Please see Returned Goods.

Other Shipment Types

Solid Wood Packing Material

A temporary emergency measure has been adopted by the European Commission. Certain coniferous solid wood packing materials are subjected to any of three specified treatments before it may import to the European Union, to prevent the introduction of pine wood nematode.

Packing cases, boxes, crates, drums & similar items, pallets, pallet collars, box pallets & other load boards whether or not used in the transport of objects are affected by this measure.

Wood packaging must be subject to one of the following treatments:

• Heat treated or kiln dried to a minimum core temperature of 56 degrees Celsius for at least 30 minutes in a closed chamber or kiln that has been tested, evaluated & officially approved for this purpose.
• Chemical pressure impregnation with an approved chemical in accordance with an official recognized technical specification.
• Fumigated with an approved chemical in accordance with an official recognized technical specification.

Packaging must display markings indicating where & by whom it was treated.

Certificates or forms of any kind are not required. Marking of the solid wood packing material is the only recognized compliance method for emergency measures.

Additional information & inspection companies contact numbers:

• CA: www.inspection.gc.ca/english/plaveg/for/woode.shtml or Canadian Food Inspection Agency 1-800-442-2342 or 613-225-2342
• CN: www.aqsiq.gov.cn or contact the State General Administration of the People's Republic of China for Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine
• JP: www.pps.go.jp/english/eindex03.htm or Plant Protection Div. of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries 03-3502-8111 ext. 3832
• US: www.aphis.usda.gov/ppq/swp/eunmwp.html or USDA APHIS Export Services 301-734-4382

Outward Processing (after repair)

Outward Processing Relief (Goods re-imported after repair)

In order to qualify for any exemption from duties and taxes, certain documentation relating to the initial export of the goods must be submitted with the import entry. The initial export entry and Form PO2 must have been correctly processed to indicate that the goods were exported for repair. If the export documentation is either incorrect or not available, duties and/or VAT will be payable on the value of goods and any repair costs.

If the goods are repaired under warranty, Duty/VAT may be exempt providing the Importer can provide evidence of export and warranty. If there is a charge for the repair (non warranty) the costs which are charged; are subject to VAT (e.g. labour costs, replacement parts). The actual value of the commodity has to be mentioned on the invoice.

Repaired Goods

Return for Repair

Shipments returned to Ireland for repair can be imported Duty/VAT free if the invoice clearly states country or territory of origin Ireland and the importer can provide proof of Export. Import delays may occur. For more information, see "Returned Goods" and "Inward Processing".

Returned after Repair

Goods being returned after repair are liable to taxes on the cost of repair. Duty is charged at the full rate and VAT at a reduced rate (13.5%). The importer must provide proof of export.

If the goods are repaired under warranty, Duty/VAT may be exempt providing the Importer can provide evidence of export and warranty. For more information see "Outward Processing"

Import delays may occur.

Replacement Goods

Replacements are considered as new items and are therefore liable to Duty/VAT. The importer is entitled to make a claim to Irish Customs for the damaged parts (original shipment).

Returned Goods

Returned goods can be imported with duty and VAT waived if the goods, after having been exported from the European Union, having received other than that necessary to maintain them in good condition or handling which alters their appearance only.

The goods have to be returned within twelve months after the date of exportation. The period can be exceeded where exceptional circumstances justify this. The freight charges are still subject to duty and VAT payments

The invoice and the "Special Instructions Box" of the UPS Waybill must include the following information:

The words "return goods"

Country or Territory of origin

Reason for the return (for example, "not in accordance to contract", or "credit")

It might be helpful for clearance purposes if the importer (former shipper) can provide the export entry number, date & export port (for example, DUB)

Samples

Write a description of the sample on the invoice and indicate whether the sample is marked or mutilated. If samples are not mutilated they can only be imported without duty and VAT in very limited numbers and value.

Advertising goods and industrial samples given free to customers in reasonable quantities, in a form not ordinarily available for sales to the public, are not taxable.

Solid Wood Packing Material

New requirements have been implemented for both small package and WWEF shipments and are based on the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM) 15, which is entitled "Guidelines for Regulating Wood Packaging Material in International Trade". ISPM 15 was adopted internationally in 2002, and is gradually being introduced by countries or territories worldwide. Wood or wood products covered by ISPM 15 include items such as packing cases, boxes, crates, drums or similar packing, pallets, box pallets and other load boards, pallet collars and skids, but exclude such processed woods as orientated strand board, particle board, plywood or veneer, created using glue, heat and pressure or a combinations thereof, and, raw wood which is 6mm or less thick. It is recommended that if a question arises on this issue, please check with the authority that issues the Phytosanitary certificates in your country or territory

Temporary Import

Within the customs procedure of temporary importation, goods designated to be imported for a limited stretch of time and remaining in the same state can be cleared without duty and VAT. The imported goods are often intended for exhibition purposes, testing purposes or presenting to potential customers. The goods remain under customs control till the re-export.

Goods imported with the customs procedure of temporary importation are subject to the provision of security with limited exemptions. The security covers duty and taxes and will be calculated on the base of the customs value used for a declaration for free circulation. The security has to be paid on deposit by the importer prior to release. The security will be paid back by customs when re-exporting the goods under customs control.

UPS will complete temporary import documents (C&E 1047) in duplicate. The importer must sign the forms and return to UPS with a bank draft for the Duty/Vat. UPS will then present the paperwork and package to Customs for examination. Once cleared, the importer will receive a copy of the temporary form to produce at export.

Import delays may occur.

WEEE and RoHS

The European Union implemented a directive restricting the use of certain hazardous substances in all Electronic & Electrical Equipment effective July 1, 2006. This directive is called the RoHS Directive (2005/618/EC), which stands for the Restriction of the use of certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment.

The RoHS directive is closely linked with the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) 2002/96/EC which sets collection, recycling and recovery targets for electrical goods.

These directives will ban the placing on the EU market of new electrical and electronic equipment containing more than agreed levels of lead, cadmium, mercury, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyl (PBB) and polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) (PBB and PBDE are flame retardants used in some plastics).

Manufacturers (and distributors and individual sellers) will need to understand the requirements of the RoHS/WEEE Directives to ensure that their products, and their components, comply. Goods falling under these categories do not require any accompanying documentation for importation.

For more information on the EU directives, please check the following European Union web link or contact your local chamber of commerce: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/waste/pdf/faq_weee.pdf

Import value limits to Ireland (Republic of)

Deminimis Value

Private Shipments

The limit whereby VAT will not be charged remains at 22.00 European Monetary Unit (Euro). Shipments with a value above 22.00 EUR need to be customs cleared as a formal entry.

Duty - In most cases, when the value of the shipment is equal to or less than the Deminimis Value, the shipment may enter the country or territory duty free but tax is raised.

This regulation does not apply to alcoholic beverages, tobacco and perfume.

The limit whereby VAT will not be charged remains at 22.00 European Monetary Unit (Euro). Shipments with a value above 22.00 EUR need to be customs cleared as a formal entry.

Duty - In most cases, when the value of the shipment is equal to or less than the Deminimis Value, the shipment may enter the country or territory duty free but tax is raised.

This regulation does not apply to alcoholic beverages, tobacco and perfume.

Maximum weight:

70 kg (150 lbs.) per package

Maximum length:

274.00 cm (107.9 in.)  per package

Maximum dimensions:

419 cm (165 in. ) per package

Length and girth combined

Convert metric quantity for weight, length, and area.