EU member state. Compliance scores reflect the regulatory advantages of EU single market membership and are not directly comparable to non-EU sourcing countries.
weighted score 1.1 · nine dimensions
Country Risk Profile
Ireland
Sourcing risk, regulatory exposure and audit intelligence for Ireland-origin supply chains.
Forced & child labour
1
No forced or child labour risk. Comprehensive labour inspectorate (WRC). No ILAB listings. Strong legal framework and enforcement.
Worker rights & FOA
1
All ILO core conventions ratified. ITUC rating 1. Freedom of association fully protected. Industrial Relations Acts provide comprehensive framework.
OHS & audit transparency
1
EU-harmonised occupational health and safety standards. Health and Safety Authority (HSA) provides robust oversight. Full audit transparency and access.
Food & product safety
1
EU harmonised food safety standards (EFSA framework). Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) internationally recognised. Very low RASFF alert rate.
Environmental & regulatory
1
Strong environmental regulation under EPA. Significant renewable energy targets (70% electricity from renewables by 2030). Active climate action plan.
Governance & anti-corruption
2
TI CPI 2025: 76. Strong institutions and judicial independence. Robust anti-corruption framework. Some concerns around corporate tax planning structures.
Tariff & preferential access
1
Full EU single market access. No tariffs on intra-EU trade. Benefits from all EU FTAs and preferential trade agreements.
Non-tariff barriers
1
EU single market eliminates non-tariff barriers for intra-EU trade. CE marking and mutual recognition apply.
Supply chain traceability
1
Strong regulatory framework for traceability. EU-standard documentation and customs procedures. High transparency in pharmaceutical and food supply chains.
Labour & Social Risk
Labour & Social Risk
- Forced labour risk
- Negligible. Ireland has comprehensive labour law enforcement and is not flagged on any international forced labour watchlists. No ILAB listings.
- Worker rights
- ILO core conventions ratified. ITUC Global Rights Index rating: 1 (irregular violations). Strong employment rights framework under the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC).
- Labour market
- English-speaking workforce with high educational attainment. Strong presence of multinational employers (tech, pharma, financial services). Hourly labour cost approximately €44.20.
- Sectoral workforce
- Deep talent pool in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, technology, and financial services. IDA Ireland actively supports foreign direct investment with workforce development programmes.
EU Regulatory Exposure
EU Regulatory Exposure
- Single market
- Full EU single market membership. No tariffs on intra-EU trade. Harmonised product standards (CE marking). Mutual recognition of conformity assessment.
- EUDR exposure
- As an EU member state, Irish exporters operate under the same EUDR framework. Agricultural exports (dairy, beef) are subject to deforestation due diligence requirements.
- EU Forced Labour Regulation
- Regulation (EU) 2024/3015 applies from December 2027. Irish supply chains benefit from strong domestic enforcement but must demonstrate due diligence for upstream imports.
- CBAM
- Not applicable to intra-EU trade. Irish manufacturers exporting outside the EU may face CBAM-equivalent measures in other jurisdictions.
- Northern Ireland protocol
- The Windsor Framework governs trade between Ireland and Northern Ireland. While it maintains open border on the island of Ireland, it creates some administrative complexity for supply chains crossing the Irish Sea.
Logistics & Supply Chain
Logistics & Supply Chain
- Geographic position
- Island location on the western edge of Europe. Primary trade corridors to continental Europe via direct ferry/shipping to French and Benelux ports, and via UK land bridge.
- Key infrastructure
- Dublin Port handles the majority of trade volumes. Shannon Foynes Port serves bulk and project cargo. Cork Port important for pharma and food exports. Dublin and Shannon airports handle significant air freight.
- Transit time to EU markets
- Direct ferry services to continental Europe take 18–24 hours. Air freight to EU destinations same-day. Post-Brexit UK land bridge route adds customs complexity.
- Scope 3 relevance
- Island location means maritime or air freight for all non-UK exports. Short-sea shipping to continental Europe generates moderate transport emissions.