Irish businesses must now urgently implement no-deal contingency measures

Commenting on this evening’s vote, Simon McKeever, Chief Executive of the Irish Exporters Association, said: “This evening’s vote confirms what we have known since the Prime Minister pulled the meaningful vote in December 2018: the UK Parliament is unable to ratify the Withdrawal Agreement and Political Declaration; “The Deal” and the House of Commons continues to be fundamentally divided on the UK’s future relationship with the European Union.

With only 74 days left until the United Kingdom is due to leave the European Union at 29 March 11pm (IST), Irish businesses trading with or transiting goods through the United Kingdom, whether exporters or importers, must now, as a matter of urgency, implement their no-deal Brexit contingency plans. The Irish business community simply cannot afford to continue its ‘wait-and-see’ approach and trust on the UK political establishment to prevent a no-deal Brexit.

Under a no-deal scenario, the United Kingdom will become a third-country for all as of 11.00pm on 29 March. It is crucial that businesses understand and prepare for the application of full customs and VAT, tariff, phytosanitary and other regulatory and non-tariff barriers to trade with the UK. To assist Irish businesses in their preparation, we have today published a no-deal Brexit guide outlining key aspects of the new customs and VAT environment and how to potentially mitigate your obligations.”