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. Within the GARP complex, required to tether the complex to the TGN. Not involved in endocytic recycling. Component of the Golgi-associated retrograde protein (GARP) complex, also called VFT (VPS fifty-three) complex, composed of VPS51, VPS52, VPS53 and VPS54 (By similarity). EIPR1 interacts with GARP complex and mediates its recruitment to the trans-Golgi network (By similarity). Interacts with VPS51 in an EIPR1-independent manner (By similarity). Associates with membranes in an EIPR1-independent manner. Ubiquitously expressed at low level. Belongs to the VPS54 family.