Dublin: On January 31, the United Kingdom implemented new post-Brexit trade restrictions affecting exports from the Republic of Ireland. While these regulations are set to create a more structured trade relationship, concerns have arisen regarding potential delays and complications in transactions.
The UK’s import restrictions will be applicable to goods sent from Ireland to Britain, with physical border checks scheduled to commence after October 31. Shipments failing to submit required documents 24 hours in advance will be denied boarding ferries, and violations will incur fines. Despite a comprehensive government campaign, smaller traders appear to be struggling to grasp the intricacies of the new changes.
In August of the previous year, the British government introduced the Border Targeting Model, outlining forthcoming customs regulations. Importers in the UK or their representatives must register Irish goods with the UK Customs Declaration System. Hauliers must obtain a UK Import Declaration reference number for goods movement references, and ports in Ireland must utilise the UK Goods Vehicle Management System to add relevant references.
Special considerations are also in place for the export of live animals from Ireland. UK importers are required to notify the UK’s Food and Feed Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import System, providing specific details. Additionally, advance notification is mandatory for animal and plant products, accompanied by the requisite health certificates.
It is crucial to note that these restrictions do not apply to goods travelling from Ireland to Northern Ireland, and products from Northern Ireland remain unaffected. However, the regulations extend to goods transported directly from Ireland to Britain or via Northern Ireland.
This development marks a shift, as post-Brexit, the Irish government imposed special border controls on goods from the UK to Ireland, while the UK refrained from imposing similar restrictions on Irish traders exporting goods to Britain or Europe.
The implications of these changes are substantial, particularly considering that the UK is Ireland’s primary exporter of food, beverages, and horticulture. Notably, 47% of Irish beef exports, valued at €1.3 billion, are directed to the UK. In 2023, dairy exports to the UK amounted to $1.1 billion, underscoring the significance of the UK as a key trading partner for Ireland.
Irish Samachar English News
Kindly click the link below to join WhatsApp group chat to get important news and breaking news from Irish Samachar.