Aidan Flynn: Big Brexit week looms for Irish food exporters to Britain

New controls over Irish food exports to Britain start on Thursday and the first few weeks will likely be difficult

New requirements for hauliers are the first of three phases for new controls at British ports.

New Brexit controls on the export of a wide range of food products across the Irish Sea to Britain come into effect in a few days.

The new controls cover so-called products of animal origin, animal by-products and germinal products, and high-risk food and feed of non-animal origin, to or via Britain. They come into effect from January 31.

One of the main issues for trade between the EU and the UK post-Brexit was the introduction of trade barriers. The barriers take many forms and add significant cost to doing business between the two trade areas. Examples include the requirement to pre-notify plans to import or export goods, customs declarations, safety and security declarations, as well as documentary and physical checks at borders.

The level of import and export requirements depends on the type of products being traded. Irish importers of goods into Ireland from the UK are all too familiar with the consequences after the EU introduced full border controls at the end of the Brexit transition period, at the start of 2021.

Three years on, the UK is now introducing reciprocal border controls for agri-foods, including drinks, on a phased basis from this Thursday. The changes will affect HGV drivers transporting goods into Britain or via the so-called landbridge, and will have significant effects on exports which can only lead to increased costs and administrative burdens.

Trade surplus

Ireland is the sixth largest trading partner with the UK and although the UK runs a trade surplus, Irish exports to the UK amounted to almost €19bn in 2022, with agri-food exports accounting for 37% of all goods exports.

Collaboration and engagement between industry and Government is required to ensure there is as little disruption as possible. The number of export health certificates will treble to over 100,000 per annum, putting a strain on the resources of the Department of Agriculture to support the supply chain in getting products to market.

The industry understands that change is required. For hauliers, this means that there is a requirement for at least a 24-hour pre-notification of imports into Britain, and a requirement for export health certification for high and medium-risk goods, and the registration of the imports through a UK-registered importer, who will supply a Goods Movement Reference Number, or GMR, to the haulier. If the haulier turns up at an Irish port without the GMR, the shipping company will not allow the vehicle or trailer to board the ferry.

The new requirements are the first of three phases for the new controls at British ports. Later this year, documentary and physical checks will be introduced for medium-risk plant and plant products and products of animal origin. High-risk goods will be inspected at dedicated border control posts (which have yet to be determined for Irish imports to Britain). The final element of the new controls will be implemented at the end of 2024, when safety and security declarations come into force.

The Department of Transport, shipping companies, and port authorities are advising hauliers in the event of incomplete paperwork, to leave the port area. In Dublin, temporary parking areas will be available off the N2 at Junction 2, and vehicles will not be allowed to stay in the environs of the ports.

It is difficult to gauge how much disruption will occur on this side of the Irish Sea. The key message is that all organisations must work together. Specifically, hauliers should not leave for a port without the correct paperwork. Haulage owners must ensure that their drivers are aware of the requirements.

It is a very challenging time for doing business. Additional controls will not make matters any easier. The reality of Brexit is that ultimately the consumer will be affected. Ireland’s reputation for agri-food is second to none and all involved in the supply of food and drink should work to lessen any disruption to trade flows. The first few weeks will be difficult but over the past three year we adapted to new controls over British imports. Normality was restored, although in a new and not in a desirable form.

• Aidan Flynn is chief executive of business group, Freight Transport Association Ireland.