Trading with the EU

In a recent episode of the BBC's "Countryfile," the program highlighted ongoing challenges UK importers face, particularly those dealing with food products. The episode highlighted concerns that have persisted since the UK departed from the European Union, emphasising that several issues remain unresolved at the borders, with limited solutions currently in place.

The EU Exit introduced numerous challenges for UK traders, many of which have been resolved over time. However, trading with Northern Ireland (NI) remains particularly complex. The Windsor Framework was developed to address these complexities, introducing a phased approach to implementing final regulations for Northern Ireland. This process began in October 2023 with the UK Internal Market Scheme (UKIMS) launch.

The Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership is a trade agreement between Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam. The UK applied to join the group in 2021 and signed an accession protocol with all current members in July 2023; however, the road to the UK’s full membership is presenting more challenges than initially anticipated.

Previously, under the former regulations, goods entering Great Britain directly from Ireland were to undergo import procedures. However, a recent amendment has altered the landscape, particularly regarding goods transported from Northern Ireland to Great Britain via Ireland. This amendment introduces exemptions for certain goods, termed as qualifying Northern Ireland goods, from the necessity of completing import declarations.

The UK Government has today (29th August 2023) published its Border Target Operating Model (BTOM), setting out new controls to protect the UK against security and biosecurity threats and create a world-class border system for trade in goods. The BTOM confirms a delay to UK import controls due this October.