The Irish export landscape faces a new reality as the United Kingdom implements fresh regulations governing the import of goods from the European Union, including Ireland. With these rules coming into effect in January 2024, businesses, particularly those in the maritime, breakbulk, project freight, cargo, and logistics sectors, must adapt swiftly to navigate the evolving trade landscape.
Understanding the Context
Since the UK’s departure from the European Union on January 31, 2020, a transitional phase ensued, marked by negotiations and agreements to facilitate a smooth exit. The EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement, finalized on December 30, 2020, aimed to maintain tariff-free and quota-free trade while delineating sectoral cooperation.
Navigating New Procedures
With the UK no longer part of the EU Single Market and Customs Union, fresh protocols dictate the movement of goods to, from, or through the UK, excluding Northern Ireland. However, the Protocol on Ireland / Northern Ireland, established within the Withdrawal Agreement, ensures that no new procedures apply to goods moving between Northern Ireland and Ireland or other EU Member States.
The Windsor Framework: A Path Forward
In February 2023, the EU and the UK reached consensus on the Windsor Framework, offering joint solutions to challenges posed by the Protocol on Northern Ireland. This framework addresses customs, agri-food, medicines, VAT, and excise, alongside mechanisms to amplify the voices of Northern Ireland’s populace.
UK Border Target Operating Model (TOM)
In August 2023, the UK Government unveiled its revamped approach to overseeing imports from the EU, including Ireland, through the UK Border Target Operating Model (TOM), set to be enforced from January 2024. These new controls hold significant implications for Irish exporters, particularly those in the agri-food sector, and those reliant on the UK Landbridge.
Adapting to Change
Businesses in Ireland must proactively engage with stakeholders across their supply chains, including transport and logistics partners and customers in Great Britain, to assess necessary adjustments for compliance with the UK’s evolving import requirements.
In light of these developments, it’s imperative for Irish exporters to stay informed and agile in their approach to international trade, ensuring they remain competitive in the post-Brexit landscape.
From 30 April 2024, the UK is introducing documentary and risk-based identity and physical checks on imports of medium risk animal products, plants, plant products, and high risk food and feed of non-animal origin from the EU except for the island of Ireland.
While these changes will not impact traders exporting goods from Ireland directly to GB, they will impact traders moving goods under transit to or from Ireland across the UK landbridge to or from the rest of the EU.
- Transit consignments from Ireland travelling across GB and exiting GB via east coast ports will be subject to documentary checks, exit identification and inspection controls and will be required to confirm that consignments have exited the UK.
- Transit consignments to Ireland from the rest of the EU entering GB via east coast ports will be subject to documentary checks, entry identification and inspection controls.
