The industry has breathed a sigh of relief after the government said it would delay new arrangements for parcel and freight movements between GB and Northern Ireland until next year.
HM Revenue and Customs said businesses should be fully prepared for the new arrangements to come into effect by 31 March 2025 instead.
They had been due to commence from 30 September but HMRC said several events including the general election had impacted on the preparations of traders and the border industry.
Businesses had expressed concerns that there was not enough time to prepare for the changes, which form part of the Windsor Framework – the Brexit deal that sets trading rules between GB and NI.
John Martin, RHA Northern Ireland policy lead, said: “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.”
Nichola Mallon, Logistics UK’s head of trade, said it needed a “step change” from the government in the way it communicated with hauliers and traders.
“The movement of parcels and implementation of customs systems for goods moving to and from Northern Ireland is a complex issue, requiring many new processes to be put in place, and several events including the general election and pre-election period have had a significant impact on the ability of government to communicate with and advise industry in a timely manner,” she said.
“Despite best efforts, it was practically impossible for logistics businesses to be ready to meet the 30 September deadline which is why Logistics UK pressed government for this delay.
“It is heartening to see that the concerns of logistics businesses have been taken into account by the government and this announcement is welcome.”
