Oscar Wilde may have raised a chuckle when he uttered those immortal words, but nowadays a trip through Customs can be a serious business. To help smooth your passage, read on and commit to memory:

Ireland operates the three channel system for Customs:

• The Blue Channel – for travellers within the EU
• The Red Channel - those travellers who have goods to declare
• The Green Channel  - anyone arriving in Ireland who has nothing to declare

Spot Checks can happen if you are using the green or blue channels.

Before you arrive in Ireland be aware as to whether or not you have goods to declare. Firearms and ammunition, explosives,  indecent/obscene material, foodstuffs and any livestock are all subject to strict regulations. Unsurprisingly, it's an offence to import or carry on your person controlled substances (drugs) when travelling to or from Ireland. There are certain allowances for duty-free goods from non-EU countries, but no allowances for tobacco products or alcoholic drinks for anybody aged under 17 years.

A full list of regulations, licences and allowances are available from:

Customs Information Office
New Custom House
Promenade Road
Dublin 3
IRELAND
Tel:+353 (0)1 877 6222
www.revenue.ie
customsinfo@revenue.ie