Wednesday, January 06, 2021
New delivery rules after Brexit
Northern Ireland is sinking into food chaos
Great Britain leaves the European single market on New Year's Eve. In the interests of the Irish peace, the trade rules of the EU still apply to trade in goods with Northern Ireland. Many UK suppliers were unaware of this. They partly clarify their customs problems with the help of YouTube videos.
The food supply in Northern Ireland is suffering from the final Brexit enforcement on New Year's Eve. The Guardian reports that many suppliers were not aware that they would need new papers for deliveries to the Irish island after the British exit from the European domestic market. Several business leaders have complained to Members of Parliament that the passage of many trucks from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is delayed because they arrive at British ports with incorrect or missing papers.
Great Britain left the EU internal market at the turn of the year after a transition period of eleven months and thus finally sealed Brexit. On January 1, the post-Brexit agreement came into force, which regulates numerous trade and customs issues. In order not to jeopardize peace and border traffic between Ireland and Northern Ireland on the Irish island, the EU trade rules still apply to trade in goods with Northern Ireland.
According to the Guardian, trade associations blame the government in London for the ignorance of many suppliers. "Great Britain has not prepared," said the head of Logistics UK, Seamus Leheny. 15 trucks were arrested by a food supplier in British ports because they lacked the necessary customs documents. Another company has sent 285 trucks to Great Britain, so far only 100 have come back. A supplier was able to obtain the right papers after looking at instructions on YouTube.
In order to solve the problems, the associations expect clear announcements from the authorities in London and the Northern Irish capital, Belfast. The head of the Northern Irish trade association, Aodhán Connolly, urged them to communicate the new rules clearly and unambiguously so that every supplier understands them. Fast decisions are necessary, especially in turbulent times like these.
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