Northern Ireland Protocol

Northern Ireland Protocol: Overview

The Northern Ireland protocol is coming into effect from 1st January 2021. This means that there will be changes to the way goods move between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

One of the changes you need to prepare for is the requirement to submit declarations. Digital import declarations as well as safety and security declarations will be needed for goods moving from Great Britain to Northern Ireland to ensure that:

• tariffs are not paid on trade within the UK
• Northern Ireland can benefit from UK Free Trade Agreements
• goods destined for Ireland (i.e. the EU) pay tariffs when they should

How to get ready for Northern Ireland Protocol?

If you or your business move goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, you should act now in order to get ready for such changes under Northern Ireland Protocol. If you are not ready, you may not be able to move goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland from 1st January 2021.

The free-to-use Trader Support Service (TSS) is now live and ready to support businesses with the changes to Northern Ireland trade, which take effect on 1 January 2021. You’ll be able to use the Trader Support Service to make these declarations. It’s available to all traders, regardless of size, and is free to use – act now to get your business ready.

To move goods to or from Northern Ireland from 1 January 2021, you’ll need an EORI number that starts with XI. To get an EORI number that starts with XI, you must already have an EORI number that starts with GB. If you do not have one, apply for an EORI number that starts with GB as soon as possible.

To save yourself time and effort, sign up to the TSS before 23 November 2020 and you’ll automatically be allocated an XI EORI. If you do not sign up before 23 November, you may have to make a separate application for an XI EORI.

The Trader Support Service is open to traders, intermediaries and carriers moving goods into and out of Northern Ireland. By registering for the TSS, you will gain access to a programme of free information and training from the Northern Ireland Customs & Trade Academy.
Now is the time to prepare your business for the end of the transition period.

Trader Support Service

The Trader Support Service will support companies with the changes to Northern Ireland trade which take effect on 1 January 2021.
The free-to-use service will provide guidance and training, a digital service to support declarations, and support from customs experts.
It can help if you:

– are moving the goods yourself
– act on behalf of someone
– send parcels between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, or bring parcels into Northern Ireland from outside the UK

Whats the deal with Northern Ireland?

Under Northern Ireland Protocol, Northern Ireland remains part of the UK’s customs regime but will collect taxes/tariffs on behalf of the EU. When goods will be dispatched from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, tax will be paid by firm receiving goods in Northern Ireland. If those goods remain in Northern Ireland, the firm may claim refund. If those goods move to Republic of Ireland, the firm will not be able to claim refund of taxes paid.

Northern Ireland is obliged to align with rules of EU’s Single Market. New or amended EU legislation will also apply in Northern Ireland.