Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 January 2024
106. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his assessment of the likely impact of new United Kingdom import controls; the action taken by his Department in relation to this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3353/24]
View answerOn 31st January 2024, the UK Government will introduce the first phase of its much-delayed post-Brexit import controls on goods from the EU, including Ireland. Following Brexit, all EU Member States, including Ireland, introduced full third-country customs and Sanitary and Phyto-sanitary (SPS) checks on imports from Great Britain as per the Union Customs Code and Officials Controls Regulation for SPS goods.
The UK is introducing its new customs and SPS requirements in phases, as set out in its Border Target Operating Model. The first phase is starting on 31 January.
The new UK requirements will be a significant change and will require everyone in the supply chain, and businesses in the agri-food sector in particular, to look at their business model and processes, and adapt them to the new requirements, particularly around timing.
It is important to note that the new UK requirements do not apply to goods moving between Ireland and Northern Ireland, North-South on the island of Ireland.
The Government has been actively encouraging all Irish exporters, in particular exporters of agri-food products, to examine their supply chains and to speak to their customers in the UK - and to their transport and logistics providers - to ensure they are ready for these new UK rules.
The Government has led extensive stakeholder engagement as well as communications and advertising campaigns to make sure that all affected Irish stakeholders (including producers, manufacturers, hauliers, logistics companies, ferry operators and ports) are fully aware of the new UK requirements. This cross-Government engagement has been ramped up ahead of the 31 January milestone and is focussed on assisting Irish exporters to become familiar with and get ready for these changes. Engagement with the UK Government at an operational and official level around preparedness in the UK has been taken place regularly in the lead up to the 31st January.
The Government, including agencies within my Department, have rolled out an intensive communications campaign in recent months to raise awareness among Irish audiences of the new UK rules, including a local and regional media, online and social media advertising campaign. I would encourage all Irish exporters, in particular exporters of agri-food products, to examine their supply chains and to speak to their customers in the UK and to their transport and logistics providers, to ensure they are ready for these new UK rules taking effect at the end of this month.
I would also encourage businesses who export to Great Britain to engage with Enterprise Ireland or the Local Enterprise Office, who provide various supports for Irish exporters. Businesses can also use the gov.ie/Brexit website for more information on the UK Border Target Operating Model.
