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Post-Brexit customs rules threaten 'utter carnage' at Irish ports

The Government must “urgently intervene” to prevent post-Brexit trade chaos on the way into I...
Michael Staines
Michael Staines

19.22 8 Jan 2021


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Post-Brexit customs rules thre...

Post-Brexit customs rules threaten 'utter carnage' at Irish ports

Michael Staines
Michael Staines

19.22 8 Jan 2021


Share this article


The Government must “urgently intervene” to prevent post-Brexit trade chaos on the way into Irish ports.

The Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) has written to the Government warning that new customs practices brought in after Brexit are “seriously problematic and currently unworkable.”

The association warned that more than eight new checks or customs requirements have been introduced since the beginning of the year.

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It said the way the requirements are being imposed by Customs and Excise officials is “not practical and not working.”

It specifically criticised a new rule requiring truck drivers to log on to the Customs and Excise website half an hour before arriving at an Irish port to see if they need to undergo an inspection, noting that it ignores “technical and practical obstacles” to logging on while at sea.

IRHA President Eugene Drennan said the Government must urgently examine the way the new customs practices are being handled.

He said the new rules represent a “burdensome obstacle” to hauliers who are trying to keep supply chains moving.

“The Government needs to direct the Revenue Commissioners to review existing Custom’s Practices for hauliers arriving in Irish ports,” he said.

“Unless these challenges are addressed there will be utter carnage when trade volumes return to normal levels.

“The Revenue Commissioners need to ensure that the significant changes brought about since Brexit are implemented in a way that facilitates rather than frustrates compliance.”

The association urged the Government to urgently intervene to resolve the issues and prevent unnecessary disruptions to trade.


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