WAB impact assessment. Broad read out. Most of the cost and complexity appears to fall on GB firms trading to NI, rather than the other way round. With a specific focus on agrifood, here goes 1/9
Impact assessment heavily caveated, says there's not much data on GB/NI trade flows and its conclusions don't take account of future changes of behavior by firms or changes in costs associated with any new UK EU trading relationship, but..... 2/9
On customs checks
NI to GB
Will need "practical information" provided electronically. Cost unclear due to "data limitations"
GB to NI
Extra paperwork; additional administrative cost. Don't know how much but GB to Rest of World cost is £15-56 per declaration says HMRC 3/9
NI to GB
Will need "practical information" provided electronically. Cost unclear due to "data limitations"
GB to NI
Extra paperwork; additional administrative cost. Don't know how much but GB to Rest of World cost is £15-56 per declaration says HMRC 3/9
On North/South trade
No additional customs costs or checks. Question of whether NI produce can end up in EU products then traded to 3rd countries - the baby milk to China conundrum - is subject to the future UK/EU relationship so still not clear 4/9
No additional customs costs or checks. Question of whether NI produce can end up in EU products then traded to 3rd countries - the baby milk to China conundrum - is subject to the future UK/EU relationship so still not clear 4/9
On Tariffs
GB to NI - no tariff unless product may end up in EU. Joint Ctte will decide what goods are covered.
NI to GB - no tariffs
GB firms face familiarisation costs getting to grips with new system
NI to ROI - no tariff 5/9
GB to NI - no tariff unless product may end up in EU. Joint Ctte will decide what goods are covered.
NI to GB - no tariffs
GB firms face familiarisation costs getting to grips with new system
NI to ROI - no tariff 5/9
On regulatory checks.
NI to align with EU agri-food rules on live animals and products of animal origin
NI to GB - no extra checks
GB to NI - product must meet relevant EU rules = potential identity, documentary and physical checks = costs
NI to ROI - no checks or cost 6/9
NI to align with EU agri-food rules on live animals and products of animal origin
NI to GB - no extra checks
GB to NI - product must meet relevant EU rules = potential identity, documentary and physical checks = costs
NI to ROI - no checks or cost 6/9
In a worst case scenario it says GB-NI checks will be needed on 1 in 5 loads of fresh meat, fish, eggs, every second load of poultry , milk and egg products; 100% of live animals, high risk plant product & food/feed not of animal origin 7/9
Assessment says GB to NI costs are uncertain and will depend on the extent to which the EU and UK rules diverge in the future & the nature of the EU/UK future relationship. But also says fees for products of animal origin inspections are set by EU are at least 55 euro. 8/9
Summing up govt impact assessment says the Protocol has potential to reduce trade, business investment and consumer spending due to uncertainty and divergence, though some govt mitigations could help. Small businesses will be disproportionately affected 9/9
