Irish Exporters Association renews call on businesses to implement Brexit contingency planning as choppy trading waters lay ahead

Following today’s press briefing with EU Chief negotiator Michel Barnier, in which he commented that striking a trade deal with the UK is looking unlikely, the Irish Exporters Association has renewed it call on businesses to ensure that they are on course to fully implement Brexit contingency planning in the likely event that Irish exporters (and importers) will be operating with a third country under World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules.

Chief Executive Simon McKeever commented: “There are just over 5 months to go until the UK fully departs the EU and the sixth round of negotiations is now complete.  With no clear trading arrangement in sight, Irish exporters are entering choppy waters. Planning for a no-deal is of paramount importance now more than ever as businesses grapple with the economic fallout owing to COVID-19.

We have serious concerns about the lack of progress made in negotiations and will do all necessary to assist Irish exporters navigate and understand what will be required when exporting to the Great Britain from 1^st January 2021. Competence in customs within businesses will be key and training is required. Nominating an employee within the workforce to operate customs documents and procedures will be of utmost importance.”