Press release
Brexit Stakeholder Forum plans for introduction of new UK import controls on 31 January
From Department of Foreign Affairs
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Foreign Affairs
Published on
Last updated on
The Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence, Micheál Martin, today reiterated the government’s message to all Irish exporters to get ready for the new UK import controls starting 31 January.
Speaking after a specially-convened meeting of the Brexit Stakeholder Forum in Iveagh House on 29 January, the Tánaiste said:
“I am urging all Irish traders to get ready for these significant changes being introduced by the UK. Irish businesses, particularly those in the agri-food sector, should talk to everyone in their supply chain and, where needed, make the changes to adapt their business processes to meet the new UK requirements.”
At the Brexit Stakeholder Forum, key stakeholders from business, trade unions, state agencies and other leading experts took part in a discussion on upcoming Brexit-related changes, including the introduction of UK import controls for goods from Ireland from next week.
Further speaking about transition to the new UK rules, the Tánaiste added:
“The UK continues to be an important market for Irish exports and Ireland supplies key food products to British consumers. We will be working closely with the UK to ensure our mutually important trade continues smoothly through this transition to the UK’s new rules.”
The UK remains Ireland’s most important trading partner with over one-third of total Irish exports going to the UK. Irish food and drink exports to the UK in 2022 accounted for almost €5.5 billion. The UK accounts for 47% of Irish beef exports, with an estimated value of €1.3 billion, while dairy exports to the UK were valued at €1.1 billion in 2023.
The government has led extensive stakeholder engagement 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 and have taken the steps necessary to get ready for 31 January. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine have hosted regular webinars for the agri-food sector in particular, to ensure the sector is fully informed of the technical and practical impacts of the new UK rules.
The government has been running, since autumn 2023, a communications campaign at national and local level on radio, in print and on social media to ensure Irish businesses are sufficiently informed and make the necessary preparations for these changes.
The government will continue to work with sectors impacted by these new UK controls and there is a range of advice available at gov.ie/brexit.
The Brexit Stakeholder Forum has met on a regular basis since 2017, bringing together key stakeholders and facilitating the sharing of insights to enable wider understanding of Ireland’s overall priorities, and providing a platform for sectoral expertise to underpin the government’s comprehensive approach to Brexit.
Comprehensive information on the new UK import controls is available at gov.ie/brexit.
The UK is introducing new customs and SPS requirements on all goods being imported into Britain starting 31 January 2024, as part of its new UK Border Target Operating Model.
These new rules will impact all traders who export goods to Great Britain or via the UK landbridge to the rest of Europe.
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.
There are 3 important UK changes that will apply to Irish traders:
These new UK rules will be in addition to the existing formalities that apply when exporting goods from the EU.
The new UK requirements do not apply to goods moving between Ireland and Northern Ireland, North-South on the island of Ireland.
Qualifying Northern Ireland goods will continue to have unfettered access to Great Britain. Further information on moving qualifying Northern Ireland goods to GB through Ireland is available in the UK Government guidance on moving qualifying goods from Northern Ireland to the rest of the UK.
The new UK requirements will apply to goods from Ireland whether transported directly from Ireland to Great Britain or indirectly via Northern Ireland to Great Britain.