Since the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union, customs clearance has become a critical challenge for Irish businesses engaged in cross-border trade. The new complexities introduced by Brexit have forced companies to rethink their logistics operations and ensure compliance with constantly evolving regulations. In this blog, we’ll explore the key challenges Irish companies face regarding customs clearance, the relevant legislation affecting this space, and how BH Associates can help streamline these processes.
The Challenges Facing Irish Businesses in a Post-Brexit World
One of the most significant impacts of Brexit has been the introduction of customs formalities between the Republic of Ireland and Great Britain. According to Revenue.ie, companies now need to manage import and export declarations, ensure customs compliance, and handle new paperwork requirements that were previously unnecessary for trade with the UK. This additional burden has led to delays, increased costs, and supply chain disruptions for many Irish businesses.
The UK’s introduction of the Customs Declaration Service (CDS), which replaced the older CHIEF system for handling imports, and the shift to Automated Import System (AIS) in Ireland, have added further layers of complexity. Many businesses have struggled to keep up with these new requirements, which demand significant changes to how goods are declared and reported. Additionally, the requirement to manage Safety and Security Declarations (ENS) when importing goods adds another layer of compliance that companies must manage effectively.
Customs Clearance Delays and Costs
Delays at borders have been one of the most reported issues since Brexit, with the need for pre-boarding notifications (PBN) before goods can be moved. According to Irish Times, the added paperwork and documentation have resulted in increased waiting times at ports, negatively impacting perishable goods and just-in-time delivery schedules. Furthermore, there have been reported surges in costs due to the need to engage customs brokers, pay tariffs, and deal with VAT requirements that weren’t applicable in pre-Brexit trade with the UK.
For instance, rules of origin compliance is a significant challenge for many companies, particularly those relying on products imported from other non-EU countries that are then re-exported to the UK. Goods that do not meet the required origin rules are subject to customs duties, which has affected Irish businesses trying to maintain competitive pricing.
Navigating the Legislation
To navigate these challenges, Irish companies must comply with several key pieces of legislation. Notably, EU Customs Code continues to apply in Ireland, and businesses must comply with both UK and EU requirements for cross-border trade. The Irish government has also introduced measures to assist companies in adapting to post-Brexit trade, such as the Brexit Business Supports and Revenue’s Automated Entry Processing (AEP), to help automate customs declarations.
These supports have been vital, but businesses still need integrated tools that can handle these requirements efficiently, from customs declarations to generating pre-boarding notifications.
Benefits of Using BH Associates for Customs Clearance
Irish businesses that use our customs solutions benefit from a streamlined and automated customs process. This helps to mitigate the risks of delays and non-compliance, which are crucial for maintaining customer satisfaction and avoiding costly penalties. By reducing manual input and ensuring seamless data exchange between the UK and Irish authorities, BH Associates empowers companies to adapt to the new normal of cross-border trade without compromising on efficiency.
Our clients, such as JMC, have already seen the benefits. They’ve found that our solutions not only support compliance but also save significant amounts of time that would otherwise be spent managing customs documentation manually.
How BH Associates Can Support Your Journey
As the post-Brexit landscape continues to evolve, having the right tools in place is vital to navigating customs complexities successfully. BH Associates is committed to helping Irish businesses not only comply with new customs regulations but also improve their overall operational efficiency.
Our Customs Clearance Module is designed to integrate seamlessly into your existing operations, providing an end-to-end solution for customs management, transport coordination, and compliance monitoring. Whether you’re looking to reduce customs clearance costs, streamline documentation, or improve overall supply chain visibility, BH Associates has the tools and expertise to support you.
Ready to take the next step?
Get in touch with us today to find out how we can make customs clearance a seamless part of your logistics journey. Let BH Associates help you simplify post-Brexit trade, stay compliant, and continue growing your business with confidence.
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