
Alcoholic beverages are subject to Value-Added Tax (VAT) in Ireland, which is typically included in the drink's price. The standard VAT rate for alcohol in Ireland is currently 23%, with lower rates of 13.5% and 9% also in use for non-alcoholic beverages. Excise Duty is also payable on alcohol and is separate from Customs Duty.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| VAT rate on alcohol in Ireland | 23% |
| VAT rate on non-alcoholic beverages in Ireland | 9% (until 1 March 2023) |
| VAT rate on non-alcoholic beverages in Ireland from 1 March 2023 | 13.5% |
| Excise duty on alcohol | Applicable |
| VAT on goods brought into Ireland from outside the EU | Applicable |
| VAT on goods brought into Ireland from within the EU | Not applicable |
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What You'll Learn
- Alcohol is subject to the standard VAT rate of 23% in Ireland
- Excise duty is payable on alcohol and is separate from customs duty
- VAT is payable on alcohol purchased within the EU via the internet or by mail
- Alcohol brought into Ireland from outside the EU is subject to VAT
- Alcoholic beverages are exempt from the lower VAT rate of 9%

Alcohol is subject to the standard VAT rate of 23% in Ireland
Alcoholic beverages are subject to the standard VAT rate of 23% in Ireland. This is the current standard rate of VAT in the country, charged on many commonly consumed items such as clothing and petrol. It is included in the price of products in the EU member state, and no further payment of VAT can be charged in Ireland. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, such as when importing a vehicle from another EU country.
Alcohol is considered an excisable product, and as such, it is subject to excise duty and VAT when purchased within the EU via the internet or by mail. Excise duty is a separate tax from customs duty and is payable on alcohol and tobacco products when brought into Ireland from outside the European Union. It is important to note that the VAT exemption on goods valued at €22 or less from outside the EU no longer applies as of 1 July 2021. All goods, including alcohol, arriving in Ireland from non-EU countries are now subject to VAT.
When ordering or bringing goods, including alcohol, into Ireland from outside the EU, VAT may be charged upon arrival. This is because VAT is a tax on consumer spending, and it is typically built into the cost of goods and services. While the VAT amount is not always visible to the consumer, it can be seen on certain items or services, such as electricity bills or professional services.
Ireland currently operates two lower VAT rates of 13.5% and 9%. The 9% VAT rate is applied to certain non-alcoholic beverages, while the 13.5% rate covers other areas, including the hospitality and tourism sector. Any suggestions for extending the reduced VAT rate to non-alcoholic beverages require careful consideration of various factors, including the impact on Exchequer revenues and the potential for manipulation of the VAT system.
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Excise duty is payable on alcohol and is separate from customs duty
In Ireland, alcoholic beverages are subject to the standard rate of VAT, which is currently 23%. This rate applies to any goods brought into Ireland from outside the European Union (EU). Within the EU, VAT is typically paid in the member state where the goods are purchased. However, if you buy goods online or by mail from another EU member state, you may pay VAT at the rate applicable in Ireland. It's important to note that VAT is a tax on consumer spending and is built into the cost of many commonly purchased items.
Excise duty is a separate tax payable on alcohol and is distinct from customs duty. Excise duty applies to specific products, including alcohol, tobacco, and oil, and is levied in addition to VAT. When purchasing excisable products within the EU via the internet or by mail, both excise duty and VAT must be paid. Excise duty rates can vary and are subject to change. It is advisable to refer to the relevant government sources for the most current information on excise duty rates.
The distinction between VAT and excise duty is essential to understand when dealing with the taxation of alcohol in Ireland. While VAT is a general tax applied to a wide range of goods and services, excise duty is a specific tax levied on certain products, including alcohol. This means that alcohol may be subject to both VAT and excise duty, resulting in a higher overall tax burden for these products.
The application of excise duty on alcohol serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it generates revenue for the government, contributing to funding public services and infrastructure. Additionally, excise duties can be used as a tool to influence consumer behaviour and promote public health. By imposing a higher tax on alcohol, the government can discourage excessive consumption and mitigate the potential negative impacts of alcohol on society.
It is important for consumers, businesses, and policymakers to understand the difference between VAT and excise duty. Consumers need to be aware of the total cost of their purchases, including all applicable taxes. Businesses involved in the production, distribution, or sale of alcohol must comply with excise duty regulations and ensure accurate tax calculations. Policymakers consider the impact of excise duties on the economy, public health, and the behaviour of consumers and industries affected by these taxes.
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VAT is payable on alcohol purchased within the EU via the internet or by mail
When purchasing alcohol within the EU via the internet or by mail, it is important to note that VAT and excise duty may be applicable. In general, when buying goods online or by mail from another EU member state, you may be required to pay VAT at the rate applicable in your country of residence, which is Ireland in this case. The standard VAT rate in Ireland is currently 23%, which applies to alcoholic beverages.
However, there is an exception to this rule. If the supplier you are purchasing from has not exceeded the Distance Sales Threshold in Ireland, you will be subject to the VAT rate of the country from which you are making the purchase. Usually, the amount of VAT payable will be communicated to you at checkout.
It is worth noting that when bringing goods into Ireland from outside the EU, you may be charged VAT upon the goods' arrival in the country. This includes goods purchased online and by mail order. The VAT rate applied will be the same as that for similar goods in Ireland. Additionally, excise duty, separate from customs duty, is payable on alcohol, further increasing the cost of these purchases.
When travelling within the EU, there are duty-free allowances for alcohol. However, specific rules apply to goods subject to excise duty, such as alcohol and tobacco products. It is recommended to refer to the relevant authorities for the most up-to-date information on duties and taxes when arriving in Ireland from within the EU.
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Alcohol brought into Ireland from outside the EU is subject to VAT
In Ireland, alcoholic beverages are subject to the standard rate of VAT, which is currently 23%. This rate applies to both imported and domestically produced alcoholic drinks. Therefore, if you are bringing alcohol into Ireland from outside the European Union (EU), you will be charged VAT when the goods arrive in the country. This is because VAT is a tax on consumer spending, and it is typically built into the cost of goods and services in Ireland.
It is important to note that the rules regarding VAT on goods brought into Ireland differ depending on whether they originate from within or outside the EU. Within the EU, VAT is usually paid in the member state where the goods are purchased. However, when bringing goods into Ireland from another EU country, special rules apply to goods subject to excise duty, such as alcohol and tobacco products.
If you are bringing alcohol into Ireland from another EU member state, you may be exempt from paying VAT in Ireland, as you will have already paid VAT in the country of purchase. However, it is always a good idea to check the specific regulations and duties that apply to the import of alcohol, as there may be exceptions or additional requirements.
When bringing alcohol into Ireland from outside the EU, different regulations come into play. In this case, you will generally be required to pay VAT and import duty on the goods. The VAT rate will be the same as that applied to similar goods in Ireland, which, as mentioned, is currently 23% for alcoholic beverages. It is worth noting that customs duty is charged separately for goods valued over €150, and excise duty is also payable on alcohol, which is separate from customs duty.
Additionally, there are specific limits and restrictions to be aware of when bringing alcohol into Ireland from non-EU countries. For example, gifts received from outside the EU with a value of up to €45 may be exempt from import charges, but they must be correctly declared. It is always advisable to consult the relevant customs and tax authorities for the most up-to-date information on VAT, duties, and any applicable exemptions when importing alcohol into Ireland from outside the EU.
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Alcoholic beverages are exempt from the lower VAT rate of 9%
Alcoholic beverages in Ireland are subject to the standard VAT rate of 23%lower VAT rates of 13.5% and 9%
Ireland's VAT, or Value Added Tax, is a tax on consumer spending. It is built into the cost of many commonly purchased items, such as clothing and petrol. In the case of some services, such as electricity and professional services, the VAT amount and rate are visible on the bill. VAT is charged at every stage of the sale where the item's cost increases.
Excise duty, a separate tax from customs duty, is payable on alcoholic beverages in addition to VAT. Excise duty is a tax on the production, sale, or usage of specific goods inside a country and is typically applied to products such as alcohol, tobacco, and oil.
When bringing goods into Ireland from outside the European Union (EU), individuals are required to pay VAT upon the goods' arrival in the country. However, when purchasing goods from another EU member state, VAT is typically paid in the member state where the goods are acquired.
It is important to note that special rules may apply regarding excise duty when importing alcoholic beverages into Ireland from within the EU.
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Frequently asked questions
Alcoholic beverages are subject to a VAT rate of 23% in Ireland.
Yes, you have to pay VAT and import duty on any goods brought into Ireland from outside the EU. Within the EU, VAT is usually paid in the member state you purchased the goods. However, if you buy goods online or by mail from another EU member state, you may pay VAT at the rate that applies in Ireland.
VAT, or Value Added Tax, is a tax on consumer spending. It is built into the cost of many commonly consumed items such as clothing and petrol.
The standard VAT rate in Ireland is 23%.
No, as of 1 July 2021, the VAT exemption on goods up to a value of €22 from outside the EU no longer applies. All goods arriving in Ireland from non-EU countries are subject to VAT.









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