Most Northern Ireland checks on British goods to be scrapped

Plans for a reduction of post-Brexit checks on goods and medicines arriving into Northern Ireland from the rest of the UK have been released by the European Union.

Northern Ireland has a special Brexit deal which keeps it in the EU's single market for goods and allows free-flowing trade with the EU.

But it means goods arriving from Britain face checks and controls.

The UK government said it is studying the detail of the EU's proposals.

The EU says its new plan, which seeks to calm a long-running dispute over a key part of the Brexit agreement, would remove about 80 per cent of spot checks.

It added that customs paperwork would also be cut by half.

The EU is promising that most food products will not need to be physically checked when arriving into Northern Ireland from Great Britain.

There would also be a cut to the required administration for Northern Ireland importers.

The plan includes expanded trusted trader arrangements, meaning more products and companies are exempt from customs tariffs.

Change to current laws would ensure no disruption to moving medicines across the Irish Sea, while improved engagement with stakeholders in Northern Ireland including politicians and business groups has also been promised.

Raj Kandola (pictured), head of policy at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “Many businesses will be relieved that both the UK and EU have shown a willingness to get around the table and try and produce tangible solutions in order to tackle some of the more technical issues which are impacting on GB and NI trade.

“Minimising delays and cutting checks for businesses will help smooth trade flows and hopefully offer firms a further boost as many grapple to overcome the impact of the pandemic.

“However, it 's clear that further dialogue needs to take place if both parties are to agree a sustainable and long-term trading arrangement between the UK and NI.

“As always, our international team is on hand to offer and advice and support to those firms that are struggling to adapt to the post Brexit trading landscape and for those that are keen to expand into new overseas markets. ”

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