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St. Paddy’s Day: Customs, Codes & Fun!

Writer: Arne MielkenArne Mielken

Ensure your St. Patrick’s Day products breeze through customs with the right Commodity Codes!


Man in green suit toasts with beer on St. Patrick's Day. Shamrocks, green drinks, and gold coins surround. Festive, cheerful mood.
Navigate St. Patrick's Day trade with ease by using the right Commodity Codes for your festive products!

Ah, St. Patrick’s Day! That magical time of year when everyone becomes a little Irish, sports shamrocks, and, of course, enjoys a pint or two of Irish whiskey. While the celebration is all about fun, food, and festivities, there’s also a less festive side to consider — customs!


As customs professionals, it’s not all about leprechauns and lucky charms; there’s a serious job to be done to ensure everything flows smoothly across borders. From clothing to beverages, every St. Patrick's Day product needs to be accurately classified with the right Commodity Codes.


This helps businesses navigate customs clearance with ease, ensuring that the only thing delayed is the celebratory pint!


Key Questions Covered in This Blog

  • What are the correct Commodity Codes for popular St. Patrick’s Day drinks like Irish whiskey and Guinness?

  • How are Irish foods like corned beef, potatoes, and soda bread classified for customs?

  • What are the Commodity Codes for St. Patrick’s Day fashion, including clothing and accessories?

  • How are traditional Irish instruments like tin whistles and uilleann pipes classified?

  • Which customs codes apply to St. Patrick’s Day decorations and party supplies?


"Understanding Commodity Codes is crucial for smooth cross-border shipments, especially when you want to enjoy your St. Patrick's Day without customs delays!"– Arne Mielken, Managing Director, Customs Manager

Abbreviations Used In This Blog

  • HS Code: Harmonized System Code, the internationally recognized standard for classifying goods in international trade.

  • Customs Clearance: The process of passing goods through customs so they can be imported or exported legally.


 

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St. Paddy's CLASSIFICATIONS!


1. Irish Whiskey & Other Spirited Drinks

Commodity Codes for Liquor and Spirits


What’s St. Patrick’s Day without a little tipple? Irish whiskey, Guinness beer, and a splash of Baileys — these are the beverages that keep the celebration flowing. But did you know that these popular drinks have their own special place in the customs world?

  • Irish Whiskey: Whether you’re sipping Jameson or trying a local distillery's offering, Irish whiskey typically falls under HS code 2208.30, which covers whiskey and other spirits.

  • Beer: You can’t forget Guinness — that dark and frothy pint that’s the star of the day! Irish beer is classified under HS code 2203.00, covering beers.

  • Irish Cream Liqueur: Baileys and similar liqueurs are classified under HS code 2208.90, which includes other alcoholic beverages like cream-based liqueurs.

Next time you crack open a bottle of Irish whiskey or pour a pint of Guinness, remember that the right Commodity Code is there to ensure smooth customs clearance!


2. Traditional Irish Food: From Savoury to Sweet

Commodity Codes for Foods of Fortune


St. Patrick’s Day wouldn’t be complete without its iconic foods — corned beef, Irish soda bread, and mashed potatoes, all served up with a touch of Irish spirit. But what goes into customs? Let’s break it down!


  • Corned Beef: That hearty dish often served with a side of cabbage falls under HS code 0210.99 for salted and dried meats.

  • Potatoes: The humble potato, Ireland’s prized crop, is classified under HS code 0701.90 for fresh or chilled potatoes.

  • Irish Soda Bread: This simple yet delicious staple of Irish cuisine gets classified under HS code 1905.90 for baked goods and pastries.


Whether you’re importing mashed potatoes or shipping out a batch of Irish soda bread, it's important to know the customs classification behind each dish.


3. St. Patrick’s Day Fashion: Shamrocks and Hats

Commodity Codes for St. Patrick’s Day Fashion


One thing you can count on every St. Patrick’s Day? Clothing everywhere! From shamrock-patterned socks to leprechaun hats, the world turns into a parade of festive attire.

  • Clothing: Shirts, dresses, and jackets featuring those festive shamrocks often fall under various HS codes depending on the material. For cotton shirts, look for HS code 6109 for men's or boys' cotton shirts.

  • Accessories: From shamrock pins to that pointy leprechaun hat, these items typically fall under HS code 6211 for textile accessories or HS code 7113 for costume jewellery.

Get your festive outfit ready, but make sure your customs clearance is just as festive — with the right Commodity Codes!


4. Irish Music & Instruments

Commodity Codes for Tuning in to Irish Tunes


The traditional sounds of Ireland — from tin whistles to uilleann pipes — are an essential part of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Whether you’re tapping your feet to a jig or playing your own tune, these instruments have their own place in customs.

  • Tin Whistles: A small, sweet-sounding instrument often used in traditional Irish music, classified under HS code 9205.90 for other wind instruments.

  • Uilleann Pipes: The iconic Irish bagpipes, classified under HS code 9205.10 for bagpipes and similar instruments.

So, if you're importing a set of these instruments to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in style, make sure they have the right classification to breeze through customs.


5. St. Patrick’s Day Decorations

Commodity Codes for All Things Festive


When it comes to decorations — shamrocks, leprechaun figurines, and balloons galore — it’s all about creating the perfect atmosphere for a party. Whether you're shipping party supplies or decking out your own house, these products have their own customs codes.


  • Shamrock Decorations: The heart and soul of your St. Patrick’s Day decorations fall under HS code 9505.90 for party decorations.

  • Balloons: Those cheerful balloons you see floating around are classified under HS code 9505.10 for inflatable balloons.


Make sure your festive goods are properly classified, and the only thing that will be up in the air is your party mood — not your customs clearance!


Arne’s Takeaway

St. Patrick's Day is full of celebration, but for those working in customs, it’s a reminder of how important it is to properly classify the products that are making their way across borders. Whether it’s food, drinks, or decorations, getting the right Commodity Code ensures smooth operations — so you can enjoy the festivities without worrying about paperwork.


Expert Recommendations

  • Always double-check your HS codes before shipping any goods related to St. Patrick’s Day. Misclassification can lead to costly delays.

  • Consider consulting with a customs professional if you’re unsure about the classification of your products.


Sources & Further Information

Remember to consult a legal professional if needed for specific advice. Book a call with us.


Disclaimer

This blog is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Always seek legal counsel for specific matters.


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