The Government has announced that new arrangements for parcels and freight movements between Great Britain and Northern Ireland due to take effect on 30 September have been pushed back.
HMRC says businesses should be fully prepared for them by 31 March 2025 and will update with detailed timelines.
John Martin, RHA Northern Ireland Policy Lead said this is a welcome move after much RHA lobbying and called on the Government to use this time to work with the industry on solutions that work on the ground.
“We have led engagement with the Government on the increased pressure these new requirements would place onto an already stretched GB-NI supply chain.
“The extra cost, administration and delays are already forcing some suppliers to reconsider the viability of continuing to supply Northern Ireland.
“We urge the Government to engage with hauliers and use the time wisely to ensure whatever is proposed can be delivered by the logistics sector.”
The RHA led a delegation to meet a number of parliamentarians last week including the Chair of the Northern Ireland Select Committee to discuss ongoing concerns about trade arrangements
Meanwhile, the RHA has called on the Government to work with industry on systems to ease movement of goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland as the Trader Support Service (TSS) is extended.
John Martin said: “Our members remain concerned about the impact of increased bureaucracy as the current TSS system requires additional resources to populate the various data fields.
“This comes at a significant cost to hauliers and creates time delays leading to inefficiencies and ultimately a reduction in trade.
“Engagement with the operators who move goods between GB and NI is crucial in the design and operation of any system if we’re to improve the situation for businesses.
“We stand ready to work with decision-makers at all levels to get clarity and address the concerns shared by our members and many within our industry.”
