Changes for Goods Moving from the Island of Ireland to Great Britain

Effective from from 31 January 2024

The dawn of 31 January 2024 marked a significant shift in the customs and importation landscape for goods moving from the island of Ireland to Great Britain. With the introduction of full customs controls, traders are now navigating a new set of rules and processes, making it imperative to adapt swiftly to maintain smooth operations. In this blog, we explore the recent changes and how tradePhlo is positioned to assist traders through this transition, ensuring compliance and efficiency.

Understanding the Changes

Previously, certain goods moving directly from Irish ports to Great Britain enjoyed a relatively seamless process. However, the implementation of full customs controls means that traders, or anyone moving goods on their behalf, must now familiarize themselves with a new process for importation. This includes goods imported directly from Ireland, non-qualifying Northern Ireland goods, excise goods, and those not moving directly to an Irish port after leaving Northern Ireland.

Import customs declarations are now mandatory at the point of import, with the ability to delay declarations no longer an option. This has implications for the required documentation, the timing of submissions, and the physical handling of goods at ports. Additionally, specific preparations are necessary for those moving goods, including registration for a GB Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number and access to the Customs Declaration Service (CDS).

Summary of Changes for Goods Moving from the Island of Ireland to Great Britain from 31 January 2024

• Implementation Date: Starting from 31 January 2024, full customs controls will be imposed on certain goods moving directly from Irish ports to Great Britain.
• Affected Goods: The controls will apply to goods imported directly from Ireland (excluding those from or through Northern Ireland, with exceptions), non-qualifying Northern Ireland goods, excise goods, and goods not moving directly to an Irish port after leaving Northern Ireland.
• Customs Declarations: Traders will need to make import customs declarations at the point of import and can no longer delay these declarations. Customs clearance will be required for goods to be released from ports.
• Preparation Steps for Traders:
• Familiarize with new processes.
• Obtain a GB Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number.
• Access the Customs Declaration Service (CDS) for making import declarations.
• Apply for authorisation for simplified declarations if using Entry In Declarants Records (EIDR).
• Use the Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS) for goods moved through Roll on Roll off (RoRo) ports, providing Movement Reference Numbers (MRN) to hauliers.
• Ensure compliance with customs processes at inventory-linked ports.
• Qualifying Northern Ireland Goods: Import declarations won't be needed for these goods, except in very limited cases. When moving these goods through RoRo ports from Ireland to Great Britain, hauliers will need to complete a Goods Movement Reference (GMR).
• Non-Qualifying Northern Ireland Goods: These will require an import declaration when moved directly from Northern Ireland to Great Britain. The status of the full import declaration must be updated to ‘arrived’ by the end of the next working day after arrival.
• End of Delayed Declarations: The option to delay submitting full information about imported goods by up to 175 days after import will no longer be available from 31 January 2024.
• Penalties: Failure to submit supplementary declarations and pay any outstanding customs duties for goods moved before 31 January 2024 under the delayed declarations process could result in penalties up to £2500.

TradePhlo: Your Partner in Compliance and Efficiency

In light of these changes, TradePhlo stands out as an invaluable resource for traders seeking to navigate the complexities of the new customs environment. Here's how TradePhlo can assist:

• Expert Guidance: TradePhlo offers expert advice and support on the new import processes, helping traders understand their obligations and how to meet them effectively. This includes clarifying the status of goods (qualifying vs. non-qualifying Northern Ireland goods) and the specific requirements for each category.
• Customs Declaration Support: With the need for immediate customs declarations, TradePhlo's platform facilitates the swift and accurate submission of necessary documentation. Our access to the Customs Declaration Service (CDS) streamlines the process, ensuring compliance without delays.
• EORI Registration Assistance: For traders who have not yet registered for a GB EORI number, TradePhlo can guide through the registration process, ensuring that this critical step is completed efficiently.
• GVMS Integration: TradePhlo's platform is integrated with the Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS), simplifying the process of making customs declarations for goods moved through Roll on Roll off (RoRo) ports. This includes assistance in generating and managing Movement Reference Numbers (MRN) and Goods Movement References (GMR).
• Compliance Monitoring: TradePhlo keeps traders updated on their compliance status, helping to avoid penalties by ensuring that all declarations and duties are submitted and paid on time.

Looking Ahead

As traders adjust to the new requirements for moving goods from the island of Ireland to Great Britain, the importance of having a reliable and knowledgeable partner cannot be overstated. TradePhlo's comprehensive suite of services and tools is designed to mitigate the challenges of this transition, enabling traders to focus on their core business without the added stress of customs complications.

For more information on how TradePhlo can assist with your trading needs in this new regulatory environment, contact our team of experts today.