New strict border rules on cleaning used tractors will make imports from Great Britain too costly

On our farm Spring is just around the corner and with this in mind, this past week I have been looking into the new procedures to import a second-hand tractor from Great Britain to Northern Ireland. Specifically viewing the DAERA website with regard to importation rules.

Rules state that all equipment must be “cleaned free of ALL contaminants — soil, water, seeds, leaves, twigs” and contaminated vehicles failing this inspection are to be shipped back to GB at owners expense.

Furthermore, no cleaning is allowed in the port area.

I have also been greatly concerned by recent press reports that DAERA staff are issued with mirrors and inspection lamps to carry out the checks.

I have enough experience of tractors to know that, if you give me a mirror and headlamp, I will find residual dirt etc on any second hand tractor, no matter how well it has been cleaned, due to the many inaccessible areas to normal cleansing methods.

I further contest that the machine would have to be partially dismantled, with the cab removed, in order to fully clean to DAERA stated standards making the import exercise totally unaffordable to any importer.

This will, in effect, lead to an embargo and closing off of a traditional trading route to farmers and machinery dealers in NI.

In regard to importation of used tractors and equipment to NI, are we indeed, in danger of becoming the Cuba of Europe.

Robert Wilson, Randalstown

——— ———

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers — and consequently the revenue we receive — we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to newsletter.co.uk and enjoy unlimited access to the best Northern Ireland and UK news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.newsletter.co.uk/subscriptions now to sign up.

Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.

Alistair Bushe

Editor