Why small Irish exporters may abandon the British market

A new digital customs system across all British ports will be in place from October 1

The new digital customs system across all British ports has the potential to cause chaos for Irish exporters. Picture Colin Keegan

Britain's Revenue and Customs have said they will implement the new digital customs system across all British ports from October 1 applicable to all imports from Ireland, and all other destinations internationally and from April 1 next year for all exports.

Previous attempts have failed due to disputes with the EU and British industry lobbying for delays. But this time the British customs have said there is no going back: The old paperwork system must be abandoned and the new digital-only will be mandatory for all, as there is an urgent need to improve their data collection and audit facilities and eliminate fraud at borders.