The UK government has announced that new arrangements for parcels and freight movements between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, that were due to come into effect on 30 September 2024, have been pushed back.

HMRC (His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs) says businesses should be fully prepared for them by 31 March, 2025 and will update with detailed timelines.

John Martin, RHA Northern Ireland Policy Lead said this is a welcome move after much RHA (Road Haulage Association) lobbying and called on the government to use this time to work with the industry on solutions that work on the ground. “We have led engagement with the government on the increased pressure these new requirements would place onto an already stretched GB-NI supply chain,” he said.  “The extra cost, administration and delays are already forcing some suppliers to reconsider the viability of continuing to supply Northern Ireland. We urge the government to engage with hauliers and use the time wisely to ensure whatever is proposed can be delivered by the logistics sector.”