Here we set out the most significant developments around Brexit and the Trade and Cooperation Agreement and provide links to all the relevant sources of information.
May 2020:
The UK announces that it will apply a UK-specific tariff to imported goods from 1 January 2021. This UK Global Tariff (UKGT) replaces the EU’s Common External Tariff, which applies until 31 December 2020. Read about tariffs on goods imported into the UK and check the tariff rates that apply to goods you import.
May 2020:
The UK government publishes information outlining how the Protocol can be implemented in a way that would protect the interests of the people and economy of Northern Ireland, ensuring the effective working of the UK’s internal market, providing appropriate protection for the EU Single Market and upholding the rights of all Northern Ireland’s citizens. Read about The UK’s Approach to the Northern Ireland Protocol.
July 2020:
The European Commission publishes a series of sectoral guidance notes considering the broad and far-reaching consequences of Brexit for public administrations, businesses and citizens as of 1 January 2021, regardless of the outcome of negotiations. Read the Consequences of Brexit
August 2020:
The UK government publishes information about moving goods under the Northern Ireland Protocol. The Protocol applies to businesses based in both Ireland and Northern Ireland. Read about Moving goods into, out of, or through Northern Ireland
September 2020:
gov.ie publishes a plan for businesses based in Ireland. The Brexit Readiness Action Plan sets out the steps that businesses and individuals need to take now, to be ready for the end of the Transition Period.
September 2020:
The Trader Support Service opens for businesses based in Northern Ireland and businesses are encouraged to register for this free service. Sign up for the Trader Support Service.
October 2020:
The Ireland Brexit Readiness Checklist highlights some of the key actions that businesses can take to get ready for the changes Brexit will bring from 1 January 2020.
November 2020:
The fourth meeting of the Ireland/Northern Ireland Specialised Committee is held on 5 November 2020. Read the UK statement
November 2020:
InterTradeIreland host Managing Brexit Together, a webinar with Simon Coveney TD, the Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs. This webinar is full of insight around the current negotiations as well as practical advice on how to help business prepare for the end of the transition period.
December 2020:
The co-chairs of the EU-UK Joint Committee hold a political meeting to address the outstanding issues related to the implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement. Read the joint statement.
December 2020:
The EU and UK negotiators agree on the Trade and Cooperation Agreement establishing the terms for future EU-UK cooperation. Read the text of the Northern Ireland Protocol.
December 2020:
InterTradeIreland host Managing Brexit Together: trading goods cross border. This webinar is packed with advice on how to help business prepare for the end of the transition period. The keynote address is from the Northern Irish Minister for the Economy, Diane Dodds, MLA.
March 2021:
GOV.UK announce an amended timetable for the phased introduction of controls on imports from the EU into GB. Read the new timetable for introducing border controls.
March 2021:
InterTradeIreland present a Brexit Webinar - Managing cross border supply chain, Customs and VAT. Hosted by Deirdre Maguire, Manager of InterTradeIreland’s Brexit Advisory Service, it features presentations from Frankie Devlin from KPMG, Colleen Flanagan from PKFPM, Elinor Paterson from HMRC and Ray Ryan from Irish Revenue.
April 2021:
The EU Parliament formally approves the EU-UK trade and cooperation agreement, voting with a large majority in favour of granting its consent to the agreement setting the rules of the future EU-UK relationship. Read the European Parliament press release.
May 2021:
InterTradeIreland present a webinar focusing on customs requirements and providing businesses with an update on cross border trade post Brexit.
June 2021:
EU adequacy decision allows data to continue flowing freely to the UK meaning that firms can continue to share data across the border. Read the European Commission press release.
July 2021:
Details of the agreement reached by the UK and EU on extending the chilled meats grace period for products brought from GB into Northern Ireland are published. Read the Declaration by the United Kingdom on Meat Products.
August 2021:
The UK government extends the period to start using the new product safety marking to 1 January 2023. Read the Declaration by the United Kingdom on Meat Products.
September 2021:
The UK extends the post-Brexit grace period over Northern Ireland and set outs a pragmatic new timetable for introducing full import controls for goods being imported from the EU to the UK. Read the announcement on GOV.UK and the revised timetable.
October 2021:
The UK government publishes key information for customers and users of intellectual property (IP) about how the IP system and the Intellectual Property Office will operate after the end of the transition period.
November 2021:
InterTradeIreland host an informal webinar and Q&A session on cross border trade post Brexit. This event was held in partnership with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and held as part of Newry, Mourne and Down Enterprise Week. The webinar focuses on customs requirements.
December 2021:
The UK delays post-Brexit checks on goods entering GB from Ireland. The extension is granted as talks on the Northern Ireland protocol continue. Read the Border Controls statement.
December 2021:
InterTradeIreland host a webinar focusing on customs requirements and including an update on cross border trade post Brexit. You will hear from Revenue and HMRC specialists, along with representatives from Manifests Ireland, PKF-FPM and The Logistics Consultants.
May 2022:
The UK postpones checks on imported food and fresh products from the EU until the end of 2023, as it announces a review of the post-Brexit regime. Read the latest guidance on how to Import food and drink from the EU to Great Britain.