FTA Ireland (FTAI), the business group representing the Irish logistics sector, is urging all businesses working within supply chains to work collaboratively to prepare for the new trading environment at the end of the Brexit transition period to protect trade on the island of Ireland.

Aidan Flynn, General Manager of FTAI, comments: “The end of the Brexit transition period is fast approaching and this will mean changes to how Irish businesses trade with the UK, with new requirements for customs declarations as well as regulatory checks on products of animal origin. Industry’s level of preparation will have a direct impact on the scale of delays at our borders, though much disruption will be outside our control. To preserve business continuity and efficient trade, those working within supply chains need to have a clear understanding of what is expected of each link in the chain; for example, identifying who is responsible for customs declarations, safety and security declarations, transit documents, health certificates, pre-boarding notifications, and so on.

“FTAI welcomes the news that those managing haulage companies in Ireland who hold a UK transport manager qualification are permitted to have these credentials swapped for an Irish-issued version, confirming that approximately 200 individuals will not have to re-sit the trade examination. In addition, we are pleased by the news that DFDS will commence a direct ro/ro passenger service from Rosslare to Dunkirk from 2 January 2021. At the end of the Brexit transition period, the so-called land bridge will become compromised as a consequence of border controls, traffic congestion and uncertainty around access to ports; new, frequent ferry services are vital to preserving Ireland’s international competitiveness.”

To help businesses trading internationally prepare for the end of the Brexit transition period, FTAI has prepared the following checklist:

• Have you have registered for an EORI number?

• Are you reliant on the land bridge? What alternative routes/options are available to get goods to the EU market post-Brexit, via road, sea and air?

• What nationality are your drivers? If they do not hold an Irish or UK passport, they may be subject to additional immigration checks

• Have you and your colleagues attended customs training?

• Have you decided who will be responsible your customs and safety and security declarations?

• Have you had discussions with your clients and mapped out roles and responsibilities?

• Have you decided who in your team is responsible for the consignment?

FTAI has a suite of services and guides to aid in Brexit preparedness. For more information, please visit https://www.ftai.ie/brexit

FTA Ireland

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