Practical guidanceThis article provides general information. Customs, tax, marketplace and carrier requirements can change; verify the rules that apply to your goods and transaction.
The parcel forwarding journey
After registration, the shopper receives the address and account details needed to identify incoming parcels. The retailer delivers the order to the forwarding facility, where it is checked in and linked to the account.
The shopper can then request delivery, choose available services and receive tracking. Several eligible purchases may be held and consolidated before international dispatch.
- Register and receive an Irish address
- Use the address during retailer checkout
- Wait for arrival notification
- Choose consolidation or repacking
- Select delivery and track the shipment
Consolidation and repacking
Consolidation combines eligible purchases into one outer shipment. Repacking can remove unnecessary retailer packaging and reduce avoidable bulk. Savings are not guaranteed because courier prices depend on actual or dimensional weight, destination and service.
Fragile, oversized, restricted or incompatible items may not be suitable for consolidation. The forwarding provider should assess what can be packed safely together.
Customs responsibilities
The recipient may need to provide accurate item descriptions, values, commodity codes and proof of purchase. Import VAT, customs duty and clearance fees can apply in the destination country.
The rules of the receiving country govern the import. Check restrictions before buying and never describe goods inaccurately to reduce charges.
Choosing a forwarding service
Compare receiving fees, storage, consolidation, repacking, insurance, prohibited items, carrier choice, tracking and support. A low advertised shipping price can be outweighed by handling or storage costs if the complete tariff is unclear.
SmartShip offers an Irish delivery address, parcel receiving, optional consolidation and worldwide forwarding through established carrier networks.
Useful parcel websites
Continue with the service that best matches what you need to do next.
Frequently asked questions
Can parcels from different shops be combined?+
Eligible parcels can often be consolidated, subject to size, safety and product restrictions.
Who pays customs charges?+
The recipient is usually responsible unless the seller or service explicitly offers a duties-paid arrangement.
Can every product be forwarded?+
No. Dangerous goods, restricted products and carrier-prohibited items may be refused.
Does consolidation always reduce cost?+
No. It can reduce duplicate packaging and shipments, but final cost depends on weight, dimensions, destination and carrier pricing.