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The end of the UK’s transition period for leaving the EU will end on 31st December 2020. From January 1st 2021, there will be new regulations in place which will be applicable on moving goods to and from the UK. Many businesses will be affected by the new changes regarding import and export between the UK and Northern Ireland – but Speedy Freight is here to help.
At Speedy Freight, we’ve been working hard behind the scenes to ensure that this transition is as smooth as possible for our customers who wish to import and export goods to Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. So, how will Brexit affect the movement of goods to Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland? Read on to find out more!
Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland
Once Britain has exited its transition period, the Northern Ireland Protocol (known as ‘the Protocol’) will take effect. The Protocol is the government’s solution to avoid a hard border with Ireland whilst ensuring that the whole of the UK, including Northern Ireland, leaves the EU as a whole. The implementation of ‘the Protocol’ will allow the UK, including Northern Ireland, to benefit from any future Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).
Key Takeaways
The main things to note about Britain’s relationship with Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland is that post-Brexit, the government has stated that they are endeavouring to keep things as similar as possible to the current protocols and customs. There are, however, a few changes that must be noted with regards to the future of trading that will take place between the nations – which are as follows:
Moving Goods from Northern Ireland to Great Britain Post-Brexit
The movement of consignments from Northern Ireland to Great Britain will in the future take place as it does now. The British government has stated that there will be no additional process, paperwork, or restrictions that will be implemented on goods moving from Northern Ireland to Great Britain, but it does remain to be seen whether or not the government’s definition of ‘unfettered access’ will be further clarified. In addition, the issue of whether goods are “Northern Ireland qualifying goods” will be critical to this determination.
In addition, it is not yet clear whether exit summary declarations will apply in respect of the movement of goods from Northern Ireland to Great Britain. There will, however, be no entry summary declarations and no tariffs in Great Britain.
Moving Goods From Great Britain to Northern Ireland Post-Brexit
There will now be customs formalities to move goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The government has introduced its new Trader Support Service, which is going to be made freely available to all traders for help and guidance.
When considering moving goods from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, there may however be further protocols to consider under the Protocol of the UK’s Withdrawal Agreement with the EU. In this regard, EU tariffs may apply to the movement of goods to Northern Ireland from GB if goods are deemed to be “at risk” of moving into the EU, or subject to commercial processing in Northern Ireland.
If a UK/EU free trade agreement is negotiated, the risk of tariff costs should be eliminated; however, import declarations will still be required.
Moving Goods between Northern Ireland and The Republic of Ireland Post-Brexit
Trade in goods between Northern Ireland and Ireland, according to the government’s website, will continue unaffected. This includes no changes at the border between Northern and mainland Ireland, with no new paperwork, and no tariffs or regulatory checks.
In order for the country to trade with the rest of the world, Northern Ireland will benefit from UK FTAs – ensuring the benefits of those agreements are felt right across the United Kingdom.
Moving goods between the Republic of Ireland and Great Britain
The movement of goods between the ROI and Great Britain will require customs procedures. In order for Speedy Freight to complete these movements, Speedy Freight will require a commercial invoice for every shipment.
Speedy Freight’s Courier Costs
Here at Speedy Freight, we will be reviewing the costs associated with the preparation of customs documentation once we have full clarification from the authorities. As part of our preparation for these changes, we are asking all our customers and their own suppliers to take action now, to enable us to carry forward our work into the New Year smoothly and easily.
If you have not already registered your EORI number, then please do so by clicking this link– where you can also check your registration. If you are operating from Northern Ireland, you will need a GB and XI EORI number. As goods will not be able to be shipped from the UK without Customs Declarations being completed in both the UK and Ireland prior to departure, it is highly important that all required documentation is produced prior to Speedy Freight’s collection of the consignment, including commercial invoices, packing lists and other shipping documentation.
If you need any assistance when it comes to preparing for Britain’s exit from the EU, why not take a look at our Brexit Checklist? To bust the Brexit-jargon, you can also check out our Brexit Jargon Buster – an easy-to-understand translation of the documentation and legislation that’s needed from January the 1st.
