Brexit: Government calls for extension to Northern Ireland grace periods for trading businesses
Posted: Thu 4th Feb 2021
British businesses sending parcels to customers in Northern Ireland would not have to deal with any changes until 2023 if the EU agrees to the UK government's request for an extension to a temporary pause on new Brexit rules.
The Brexit deal included the Northern Ireland Protocol which was designed to avoid a hard border in Ireland but many businesses have reported problems. Checks on goods were suspended earlier this week after customs staff were threatened.
Temporary grace periods for some rules are in place to help businesses get used to the changes including no customs declarations for most parcels received sent by businesses in Great Britain to residents or businesses in Northern Ireland until 1 April.
But to deal with the current issues, Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove wrote to European Commission vice-president Maroš Šefčovič asking for the grace periods to be extended until at least 1 January 2023.
As well as the delay on parcel rules, he also called for an extension in the arrangements which give reduced paperwork to supermarkets and their suppliers. "The eligibility for these arrangements must also be adapted so that all relevant local businesses and services are able to be included as authorised trader," Gove said.
In addition, he said there should be "a permanent solution...for those chilled meat products moving GB-NI that are otherwise prohibited". If it requires more, "then a temporary solution must be in place until at least 1 January 2023".
Gove held talks with Šefčovic, Northern Ireland leaders and others on Wednesday.
Discussions will continue but on Thursday, Irish foreign affairs minister Simon Coveney said the Northern Ireland Protocol "isn't going to be changed2.
Brexit advice for trading in Northern Ireland
Businesses move goods into and out of Northern Ireland are advised to sign up to the government free-to-use Trader Support Service.
Here's the government guidance related to trading in Northern Ireland:
Access more advice, connect with experts and ask questions through Enterprise Nation's Brexit Advice Service.