Liz Truss has promised to do everything possible to get a deal over the Northern Ireland Protocol done by March as UK-EU protocol talks resume.
The UK Foreign Secretary and the Commission Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič have re-established talks in recent days, with the aim of resetting the fragile relationship and the hope of getting a deal by the end of March.
In a tweet dated 14 January, the Secretary said that " The meeting took place in a cordial atmosphere. They agreed that officials would meet next week in intensified talks and that the principals would meet again on 24 January. We share a desire for a positive relationship between the EU and the UK underpinned by our shared belief in freedom and democracy.”
The Brexit minister however has reiterated that Article 16 - the suspension of part of the arrangements in the Protocol - remains an option for the UK if they could not agree a solution, although the hope is to reach an agreement well ahead of the Northern Ireland Assembly election in May.
As a reminder, all goods entering Northern Ireland from Great Britain require a customs declaration, while food products are subject to additional checks and controls.
The UK's proposal to bypass all these checks for goods entering Northern Ireland is a simple self-certification process as long as the goods stay in Northern Ireland and are not brought into the EU market. On the other hand, the EU also recognises that the Protocol is causing difficulties and has proposed a package of measures that would limit the physical checks of goods when they enter Northern Ireland from Great Britain.
The dust has still not fully settled, and the Protocol has not yet been fully implemented, and whilst the agreement is reached the UK has continued to extend the so called “grace period” during which lesser checks apply.
Need further support understanding new rules for GB-NI Movement?
Contact the International Trade Team at exportbritain@gmchamber.co.uk for further information
Need help completing customs declarations when sending goods to NI from GB?
Chamber Customs - If you need any assistance with completing declarations or require advice on how to submit these declarations, our team is at hand to help. Simply email them at chambercustoms@gmchamber.co.uk or complete our short online survey and a member of our team will be in touch.
Source: HMRC, BBC, export.org and Lexology
How can we help?
GMCC Bitesize Session - The Points-Based Immigration System– Join our free webinar on the 27th January here
Customs Clearance & Transit Services: We are an HMRC Compliant customs broker helping UK traders with export and import customs entries and transit documentation for companies of all sizes, through any port or airport. To set up an account or for more information, email us at chambercustoms@gmchamber.co.uk or complete our short online form.
Training Courses: From how to complete a customs declaration to export/import customs procedures and documentation, to mention but a few, our full range of courses are designed to help your staff to keep up with current and latest regulations. View our list of upcoming courses here.
Advice and Support: For further advice on any of the above or support you require with exporting or importing, please email exportbritain@gmchamber.co.uk.