From November 1st 2026, sales to private customers in Ireland and the EU worth €150 or less need three product identifiers per item. Without them, customs can hold the parcel, return it to you or charge a fee.
Does this apply to me?
Only if all four of these are true:
You are sending from outside the EU (for example, from the UK) to Ireland or another EU country.
You are a business or seller, and your customer is a private individual with no VAT number.
The goods were sold to the customer.
The total value of the parcel is €150 or less.
Shipments from Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland are not affected.
Why we need this from you
This is an EU customs requirement, not a new policy of ours. FedEx, UPS and DHL Express have all confirmed the same rule.
A description such as "T-shirt" or "phone case" tells customs very little. The three identifiers let EU customs see exactly which product is in the parcel, down to the size, colour and model. Each comes from a different source (you, the manufacturer and the barcode system), so together they pin the item down precisely.
We pass the identifiers to the courier with your shipment and print them on your commercial invoice. If any are missing or wrong, the parcel can be held at customs, returned to you or charged a fee.
The three identifiers
The quickest way to tell them apart is to ask who created each one.
Your product code (SKU)
Created by you, the seller. The code you use in your own shop or stock system, for example TS-BLU-M. Two sellers of the same product will usually have different SKUs.
Manufacturer's model or part number
Created by the company that made the product. Printed on the product, packaging, label or spec sheet, for example AX200-BL. It is the same whoever sells it.
Barcode (GTIN)
The number printed under the barcode lines, for example 5012345678900. Numbers only, usually 8, 12, 13 or 14 digits. May be called a GTIN, EAN, UPC or ISBN.
Your product code (SKU) | Manufacturer's model or part number | Barcode (GTIN) | |
Who creates it | You, the seller | The company that made the product | The barcode system (GS1), applied by the brand |
Where to find it | Your shop, stock system or listing | The product, packaging, label or spec sheet | The digits under the barcode lines |
What it looks like | Any format you choose | Letters and numbers set by the maker | Numbers only, usually 8, 12, 13 or 14 digits |
If you don't have one | Enter the manufacturer's model number in both fields | Check the packaging or ask your supplier | Tick "No barcode" |
No SKU of your own? You can enter the manufacturer's model or part number in both fields. No barcode on the product? Tick "No barcode" rather than inventing one.
Example: one parcel, three items
A seller in Manchester sends a customer in Dublin two T-shirts in different sizes and a handmade candle. Each size is a separate product with its own codes, so it goes on its own line. The codes are illustrations only.
Item description | Your product code (SKU) | Manufacturer's model or part number | Barcode |
Cotton T-shirt, blue, medium | TS-BLU-M | AX200-BL-M | 5012345678900 |
Cotton T-shirt, blue, large | TS-BLU-L | AX200-BL-L | 5012345678917 |
Handmade soy candle | CANDLE-01 | CANDLE-01 | No barcode |
The candle is the seller's own product, so there is no separate manufacturer's number and no barcode. The seller's code goes in both fields and "No barcode" is ticked.
Common mistakes
Avoid these, as they can lead to delays, returns or charges at customs.
One line for several variants. Each colour, size or model has its own codes, so add each as a separate item.
The same code in all three fields. The SKU and model number can match, but the barcode must be the barcode digits or "No barcode".
Made-up barcodes. Only enter a barcode printed on the product or its packaging.
Spaces or letters in the barcode. Barcodes are numbers only.
Choosing "Gift" or "Personal effects" for sold goods. The reason for export must match what actually happened.
Questions
I'm sending to a business with a VAT number.
Enter their VAT number when asked. The extra fields will not appear as this will imply it is a business.