Changes for Goods Moving From Ireland to Great Britain – 10 Weeks to Go

29th November 2023

In August 2023, the Government ​​published the final version of the Border Target Operating Model which confirmed that from 31 January 2024, some goods will face full customs controls when moved directly from Irish ports to Great Britain.

Goods will need to complete import processes if they are being imported directly from Ireland into Great Britain (not moving from or through Northern Ireland).

Goods moving from Northern Ireland to Great Britain through Irish ports will also have to complete import processes if they are: • non-qualifying Northern Ireland goods • excise goods (alcohol, tobacco, and energy products) or • goods that do not move directly to an Irish port once they have left Northern Ireland for example, goods that are held in storage in Ireland.   For these goods, you will have to follow the import requirements set out in the Border Target Operating Model. When moving these goods, most traders will need to make import customs declarations at the point of import and will no longer be able to delay making declarations. Ports will be required to control these goods moving from Ireland to Great Britain, meaning that unless they have received customs clearance they will not be released from the port.

You will need to ensure you, or anyone who moves goods on your behalf, are familiar with the new process from 31 January 2024. • If you are moving qualifying Northern Ireland goods, you should confirm this to your haulier and/or carrier. • You need to register for a GB Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number if you do not already have one. • If your goods are being moved from Ireland through roll-on roll-off (RoRo) ports in Great Britain, you will need to make your customs declarations before the goods depart from Ireland, and you will need to follow Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS) processes. • At inventory-linked ports or other locations, the haulier or the intermediary that is moving the goods on your behalf will need to follow standard processes to ensure your goods are presented to customs, declared, and cleared before they can be released to free circulation in Great Britain. • If you are moving goods from Northern Ireland to Great Britain via Ireland, including qualifying Northern Ireland goods, you will need to comply with some Irish customs requirements to exit through a port in Ireland and will need to check Irish customs guidance.