Can I sue a courier for a lost parcel in small claims court in Ireland?

What the Law Says

Irish consumer and contract law gives you rights when a courier fails to deliver your parcel. The Small Claims Procedure operates under the District Court Rules and is governed by the Courts Act 1991 and the European Union (Consumer Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013.

Under Irish law, a courier service is bound by the terms of the contract formed when you handed over the parcel — whether written or implied. If they lose it without reasonable cause, this may constitute a breach of contract under the Sale of Goods and Supply of Services Act 1980, section 42, which applies to services supplied to consumers.

The Consumer Rights Act 2022 further strengthens protections, requiring services to be carried out with reasonable care and skill (section 52). A lost parcel may indicate a failure to meet that standard, especially where tracking was promised but not provided or updated.

However, couriers often rely on contractual limitations — such as liability caps — outlined in their terms and conditions. These are only enforceable if brought to your attention before the contract was made, per the Unfair Contract Terms Directive (transposed via SI No. 27/2000).

Statutory Text

A person who supplies a service to a consumer must carry out the service with due care and skill.

— Consumer Rights Act 2022, s. 52(1)

What to Do

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