Printers on a Dublin pavement at delivery.

Customs broker support on a Manchester to Dublin printer move

A move across the Irish Sea needs a customs broker's work as well as a van. In February 2023 our in house customs agent cleared two multifunction printers (MFPs) and 250+ items of our own tools and flight cases on an ATA carnet, between Manchester and Dublin. It took four trips to customs.

Client type
Scope: Five MFPs wrapped in Manchester, three for a Manchester to Manchester relocation and two for the client's Dublin office, with 250+ items of our own equipment on an ATA carnet
When: February 2023
Where: North West England and Republic of Ireland
Results: Moves completed in both locations. A planned three day project became a three day round trip with four trips to customs

The challenge

Five MFPs, wrapped in Manchester. Three were staying in Manchester for an office relocation. Two were going to the client's office in Dublin.

On paper it was a three day project between the UK and the Republic of Ireland. The border made it harder. The two Dublin printers had to be cleared, and so did the 250+ items of our own tools, manual handling equipment and flight cases that we needed to place them.

Our approach

Our own tools, handling equipment and flight cases travelled on an ATA carnet. Customs clearance for the job was provided by our in house customs agent.

The three day project turned into a three day round trip with four trips to customs.

Normally, our agent needs a power of attorney from the client, and the commercial invoice has to match the goods. EU customs offices tend to close around 4pm and at weekends, so a three day trip has less working time than it looks.

Once in Dublin, the final mile positioning on site was only possible with our equipment from the UK.

The result

All five MFPs were moved and placed: three in Manchester, two in Dublin. Our equipment crossed on the carnet.

You need someone who can clear it. On this job that was our in house customs agent, who worked under the client's authority.

We don't hand the paperwork to a stranger on the day. If you already have a broker, we'll work with theirs.

It's a passport for goods that are going out and coming back. We use one for our own tools, manual handling kit and flight cases, so they cross without duty or a deposit.

Here that covered 250+ items. The carnet list has to match what's in the van.

Because clearance isn't one stop. Goods, kit and paperwork each need checking, and offices close around 4pm.

When something needs correcting, you go back. We plan for that, which is why we ask for the invoice details early and keep the days flexible.

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