Brexit Changes Affect Business Shipping in NI

As Northern Ireland approaches the next phase of its Brexit deal implementation at the end of September, local businesses are expressing concerns over new customs processes affecting parcel shipments from Great Britain. For the first time, business-to-business parcels will require customs declarations, and parcel carriers must enroll in a new trusted trader scheme. The Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce has urged the government to provide support and address broader Brexit-related issues in the region. The pet food company Purina has already taken action by terminating its business-to-business sales arrangement in Northern Ireland, citing the new checks and controls associated with shipping from Great Britain. This situation has led to the emergence of what some refer to as the "Irish Sea border." Although the original Brexit deal proposed customs declarations for most parcels, this was deemed unworkable by businesses and the UK government, leading to the development of the Windsor Framework, which aims to simplify the process while ensuring compliance with EU market regulations. While consumer-to-consumer parcels will remain unaffected, parcel companies transporting goods from Great Britain to Northern Ireland consumers must register under the UK Carrier Scheme (UCS). Royal Mail, the UK's largest parcel operator, is collaborating with the government and stakeholders to ensure a seamless transition during these changes. Additionally, a new requirement mandates that a broader range of food products from Great Britain must carry 'Not for EU' labels when sold in Northern Ireland, reinforcing assurances to the EU that these products will not enter its single market.