Northern Ireland’s trade with GB is struggling to overcome challenges posed by the regulations imposed by the Windsor Framework, according to Logistics UK.
Giving evidence to the Northern Ireland Affairs Select Committee on the operation of the Windsor Framework, Logistics UK Head of Trade and Devolved Policy Nichola Mallon outlined how there is a lack of awareness over the practicalities of the Framework, and also a reluctance among some GB businesses to move goods into Northern Ireland due to the additional requirements.
“The consensus within our membership is that the Windsor Framework was to some extent oversold and created a misperception that all of the challenges under the Northern Ireland Protocol have been removed,” Ms Mallon commented.
She added: “This has created two effects: a lack of awareness, particularly among GB businesses, of the requirements that must be met under the Windsor Framework and, to some degree, a reluctance among some GB-based businesses to trade into Northern Ireland because of the administrative and cost impacts of meeting all of the necessary requirements.”
Ms Mallon also highlighted the changes that are being introduced from 31 March regarding the movement of parcels from GB to NI and called for a greater awareness campaign in the remaining weeks.
She explained: “There are significant new processes that will be required if you’re moving parcels, particularly business to business parcels, and the HMRC has improved their communications of late, but there is a need for a much greater awareness campaign in the last remaining number of weeks to raise awareness and help with preparedness.”
“With the rise in e-commerce, almost every household and business in NI relies, one way or another, on parcels. It is essential that businesses are supported to adapt to these significant changes to ensure the smooth flow of trade.
“Groupage operators and the Pallet Networks are key to the GB to NI supply chain and these businesses are facing particular cost and administrative pressures under the Windsor Framework. Logistics UK will continue to make the case for a Trusted Haulier Scheme to support this sector upon which so many sole traders and SMEs rely.”
