EXHIBIT 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the incorporation by reference in each of the following Registration Statements of Anixter International Inc. and in the related Prospectuses:

(1) Form S-3 Nos. 333-180905 and 333-180905-01 of Anixter International Inc. and Anixter Inc.;

(2) Form S-8 No. 33-13486 pertaining to the 1987 Key Executive Equity Plan;

(3) Form S-8 No. 33-38364 pertaining to the 1989 Employee Stock Incentive Plan;

(4) Form S-8 No. 333-05907 pertaining to the 1996 Stock Incentive Plan;

(5) Form S-8 No. 333-56935 pertaining to the 1998 Stock Incentive Plan;

(6) Form S-8 No. 333-103270 pertaining to the 2001 Stock Incentive Plan;

(7) Form S-8 No. 333-145318 pertaining to the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan; and,

(8) Form S-8 No. 333-172505 pertaining to the 2010 Stock Incentive Plan

of our reports dated February 17, 2015, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedules of Anixter International Inc. and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of Anixter International Inc. included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2015.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Chicago, Illinois

February 17, 2015