In response to the news yesterday (3 March 2021) that the UK government will extend the grace periods relating to border checks on some agri-food goods – also known as sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) goods – which were set to expire after 31 March 2021, Logistics UK’s Policy Manager for Northern Ireland, Seamus Leheny, comments:
“Extending the current grace periods for the movement of SPS goods from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is vital to protect supply chains; we are pleased the government listened to the advice we shared with Rt Hon Michael Gove MP and European Commission Vice President Maroš Šefčovič at a recent roundtable meeting. Today’s decision will ensure logistics businesses in the agri-food sector will not face significant administrative burden come 1 April 2021 and will allow time to plan and deliver a permanent scheme that will reduce friction on SPS goods, such as a Trusted Trader Scheme. And, with this being unilateral action, Logistics UK is urging the UK and EU to work together on a solution that protects NI’s supply chains in the long-term.”
