Acts as component of the GARP complex that is involved in retrograde transport from early and late endosomes to the trans-Golgi network (TGN). The GARP complex is required for the maintenance of the cycling of mannose 6-phosphate receptors between the TGN and endosomes, this cycling is necessary for proper lysosomal sorting of acid hydrolases such as CTSD (PubMed:18367545). Within the GARP complex, required to tether the complex to the TGN. Not involved in endocytic recycling (PubMed:25799061). Component of the Golgi-associated retrograde protein (GARP) complex, also called VFT (VPS fifty-three) complex, composed of VPS51, VPS52, VPS53 and VPS54 (PubMed:15878329, PubMed:25799061, PubMed:27440922). EIPR1 interacts with GARP complex and mediates its recruitment to the trans-Golgi network (PubMed:27440922). Interacts with VPS51 in an EIPR1-independent manner (PubMed:31721635). Associates with membranes in an EIPR1-independent manner. Belongs to the VPS54 family.