Northern Ireland is not ready to control certain goods transported between the United Kingdom and the region, although that border control is part of the Brexit conditions. Emergency plans are now being considered, according to a Friday published report by the National Audit Office (NAO).
The NAO, which controls government spending, warns that all British borders will be under pressure when the UK really leaves the European Union. It does not matter whether a trade agreement is concluded with the EU.
That’s because the coronacrisis is getting in the way of preparations. With a deal, exporters will also have to submit customs and safety certificates from 1 January. According to the NAO, ports have little time to test the systems. There are also still insufficient customs posts and officials to assist the industry in the new way of working.
“There are likely to be disruptions,” says the supervisor. “The government must react quickly to minimise the impact.”
The UK left the EU on 31 January, but until the new year there is a transitional period for economic separation.