Provides advice on how to perform due diligence and in what areas it is necessary for a U.S. company. Includes information on the U.S. Commercial Service International Company Profile service.
Last Published: 8/6/2019

Manufacturers seeking an Irish agent or distributor to service the domestic and European markets should consider visiting Ireland to appraise the relative merits of prospective agents.  In addition to acquainting the U.S. exporter directly with local market conditions and special sales characteristics, a visit also provides an opportunity to discuss policy and sales campaigns with the agent or distributor, review responsibility for customs fees, taxes, labeling, transportation modalities, business procedures, payments and if necessary, registration.  These responsibilities should always be clearly defined before undertaking a long-term relationship.
                                   

  • The U.S. Commercial Service at the U.S. Embassy in Dublin offers a range of customized business solutions to U.S. firms seeking to identify agents, distributors, sales, or business partners in Ireland.  U.S. firms interested in achieving representation in Ireland are welcome to contact the U.S. Commercial Service in Dublin for information on matchmaking services such as the Gold Key Service (GKS), International Partner Search (IPS) and other customized services.
  • U.S. firms are strongly encouraged to maintain close contact with newly appointed agents or distributors throughout their working relationship.  Since certain products and equipment require servicing to maintain their useful life, the U.S. exporter should determine when this is needed and develop a distribution network to include such servicing by qualified personnel.  To develop trust, loyalty and marketing skills, U.S. producers frequently bring their agents or distributors to the United States for training and marketing assistance.
  • Large Irish companies have listings on the Dublin and London stock exchanges, and in recent years, emerging high technology and internet companies have secured listings on the NASDAQ and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.  Publicly traded companies must publish substantive annual reports which meet the reporting requirements laid down by the accounting bodies and which comply with stock exchange regulations.  In addition, company legislation requires that every registered company both privately held and publicly traded must file a set of audited accounts annually with the Companies Registration Office. 


Copies of such audited accounts can be obtained directly from the Companies Registration Office for specified fees.  In addition, mercantile agencies such as Dun & Bradstreet Ireland will undertake commercial credit reporting on any company in Ireland.  These reports are available on-line.

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.