Brexit

About Brexit

The UK left the European Union on the 31 January 2020 and was then in a transition period which ended on 31 December 2020. In January 2021 a new relationship with the EU began and the NI Protocol came into force.

NI Protocol

The NI Protocol outlines the customs and immigration issues on trade between NI and the UK, with the intention of protecting the EU single market.

Further details about the NI Protocol, what it could mean for you and your business, along with any changes to legislation, checks and imports and export arrangements are available at https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/eu-exit-and-northern-ireland-protocol#toc-0

Living and working in Northern Ireland after the Transition Period

Information regarding people living and working in Northern Ireland is available at https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/staying-northern-ireland-if-youre-eu-citizen

Support for Vulnerable Migrants:

Newry, Mourne and Down Ethnic Minority Support provides a free and confidential service for NMD ethnic minority residents and are accessible via email at ethnicsupport@nmandd.org

Businesses will need time to adapt to these new labelling rules, including on FBO name and address requirements and the use of the UK(NI) as an indication of origin. Labelling queries can be emailed to your Environmental Health Officer on ehealth@nmandd.org

Brexit Support and Advice for Small Businesses (SME)

The UK Government, Invest NI and InterTrade Ireland offer advice and support for small businesses following Brexit:

UK Government

The UK Gov website provides advice and support as well as major announcements in order to make sure your business is prepared following Brexit. A number of government departments and agencies are providing help for businesses, in the form of information, advice and vouchers. Find out more and sign up for updates here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/summary-the-uks-new-relationship-with-the-eu

Trader Support Service

The Government has established a free-to-use Trader Support Service to support businesses and traders of all sizes to navigate the changes to the way goods move under the Northern Ireland Protocol. The Trader Support Service:

Will help if you move goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, or bring goods into Northern Ireland from outside the UK
Is free to use and will guide you through any changes to the way goods move between Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Can complete declarations on your behalf

For more information on the Trader Support Service click https://www.tradersupportservice.co.uk/tss

Invest NI - Get Ready for Brexit

Invest Northern Ireland can provide Brexit help, advice and support for your business. Their one-stop resource of best practice guides, information advice and support available will help in dealing with Brexit.

Find out more here: https://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/content/eu-exit-support-your-business

InterTrade Ireland

InterTradeIreland’s dedicated Brexit team can provide information on Brexit funding, details of upcoming events, a tailor-made on-line learning tool and direct you to wider support and advice.

Find out more here: https://intertradeireland.com/brexit

NI Direct

NI Direct have developed an online resource which covers the most up to date advice on a range of issues and how these relate to NI or to people living in NI. For more information and advice please click this link: www.nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/leaving-eu-brexit

Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade

Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade host regular workshops and events on key Brexit related topics as well as providing excellent support and advice. More information can be found by visiting: https://newrychamber.com/lobbying/brexit/

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA)

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) provide information and support for businesses and individuals is relation to:

Moving products of animal origin and animal by-products
Moving fish and fishery products
Moving plants and plant products
Moving live animals including fish and balai
Pet travel
Moving SPS and other regulated goods as an authorised trader
Protocol compliance
Chemicals, water and waste

For more information and guidance go to: https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/landing-pages/eu-exit-landing-page

Changes for Agri-Food Goods

The Food Standards Agency

If your business deals in food, or animal feed, it is your responsibility to make sure it is safe. The Food Standards Agency provides information on their site: https://www.food.gov.uk/business-guidance/the-uk-transition

Food Labelling changes

Leaving the EU will mean changes to how we label food we produce or bring into Northern Ireland. Updated guidance on food and drink labelling changes which includes labelling requirements with respect to the Northern Ireland market from 1st January 2021 can be found through this link.

The updates to the guidance clarify the position from 1 January 2021 regarding:

Food Business Operator address - to be a Northern Ireland or EU business address or address of importer
Origin indications’ for goods produced in Northern Ireland, where indication of a Member state is required, is to be labelled as ‘origin UK(NI)’
The application of ID marks on products of animal origin; (FSA Guidance)