Shipping from China to Ireland
Does Taobao ship to Ireland?
Most Taobao sellers only ship inside China. Here is how to get Taobao, Tmall and 1688 orders to Ireland, what shipping costs depend on and which taxes apply since the July 2026 EU rule change.
Short answer
Not directly for most orders. Taobao's own international shipping does not cover Ireland, and the majority of sellers only ship within China. You need an agent or forwarder with a warehouse in China.
With us: send the links, we buy and inspect the items, combine them and ship to Ireland in about 8–16 days after your parcel leaves our warehouse.
Shipping lines to Ireland
We weigh your packed parcel and send you the options that accept your items. Times are counted from our warehouse in China and are typical, not guaranteed.
| Line | Typical time | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Express courier (DHL, UPS, FedEx) | 5–9 days | Urgent orders and higher-value parcels; VAT and duty billed by the courier |
| EU tax-included line | 8–16 days | Clothes, shoes and accessories; VAT and duty paid in the shipping price where offered |
| Economy line | 15–25 days | Light, non-urgent parcels |
| Rail or sea freight | 25–50 days | Heavy or bulky orders, usually over 15–20 kg |
Price depends on weight and size: carriers charge the higher of the real weight and the volume weight (length × width × height in cm ÷ 5000 for most express lines). How shipping is priced.
Import duties and taxes in Ireland
| Import VAT | 23% from the first euro, on goods plus shipping (since July 2021) |
| Customs duty, parcels up to €150 | Flat €3 per item category since 1 July 2026 |
| Customs duty, above €150 | Rate by product, for example clothing is usually 12% |
| Carrier handling fee | Charged by An Post or the courier when they collect VAT on delivery |
On a tax-included line we pay these before the parcel arrives and the cost is part of your shipping quote. On other lines the carrier asks you to pay before delivery.
The EU-wide €3 duty on low-value parcels runs from 1 July 2026 to 1 July 2028, when normal duty rates by product are due to apply. Items with the same tariff classification count once: five T-shirts are one €3 charge, a T-shirt and a watch are two. The EU has also proposed a separate handling fee for small parcels, and some member states have signalled national fees; neither is in your quote unless the line includes it.
Rules checked November 2026. Tax rules change; we confirm the current treatment in every shipping quote. Sources: Avalara summary of the EU €150 reform, overview of Taobao's official shipping coverage.
Tips for buyers in Ireland
- Chinese sizes run one to two sizes smaller than European sizes. Send your measurements in cm and we compare them with the seller's chart.
- Group your items into one parcel: one shipment means one handling fee and less packaging.
- Batteries, liquids, powders, food and magnets are restricted on most lines to Europe. Ask before you buy.
- An Post or the courier asks for VAT and fees before delivery. Ireland is in the EU, so UK rules don't apply.
What it costs with us
Item price and the seller's China shipping at cost, plus our 8% service fee (min $5 per order). Inspection photos, 60 days of storage and combining parcels are free. Shipping to Ireland is quoted for your actual parcel. All fees.
Several items? Use the full order calculator with weight estimate and payment options.
Questions
Does Taobao ship directly to Ireland?
Not in most cases. Taobao's official international shipping does not cover Ireland, and most sellers only send parcels inside China. An agent receives the order in China and ships it on to you.
How long does a Taobao order take to reach Ireland?
Allow 3–7 days for the seller to ship and for inspection in China, then about 8–16 days on a standard line or 5–9 days by express courier.
What tax will I pay on a Taobao parcel in Ireland?
Import VAT at 23% on the goods and shipping. Since 1 July 2026 parcels worth up to €150 also carry a flat €3 EU customs duty per item category. Your quote says whether the line includes these or whether the carrier collects them on delivery.