Committee to probe customs arrangements between NI and GB

The inquiry will examine the nature of the customs checks and processes that businesses could face and the potential effect of those new customs arrangements on the volume and profitability of trade.

The UK government has repeatedly promised that NI businesses will continue to have “unfettered access” to the UK internal market after December 31 2020.

The inquiry will examine the extent to which such access will be frictionless and the preparedness of customs authorities to facilitate the new arrangements.

The committee is particularly interested in hearing from people and businesses who move goods between Northern Ireland and Great Britain.

Simon Hoare, chair of the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee, said: “There is an urgent need for clarity on customs arrangements for east-west trade under the Northern Ireland Protocol.

“Despite government promises of unfettered access, it now seems likely that additional paperwork will be required to move goods from Great Britain to Northern Ireland.

“Meanwhile, businesses remain in the dark about how they can get their goods to market after the transition period.

“This inquiry will examine how new customs arrangements will affect businesses and consider how such impacts might be mitigated.

“The committee will also scrutinise whether the UK government and customs authorities have appropriate resources to effectively implement the new system.

“Our objective is to inform the choices that the UK government makes on new customs arrangements to help make the new system work for people in Northern Ireland.”

The committee seeks written evidence which can be submitted until April 1.