Proposed changes to N Ireland Protocol to remove regulatory barriers

19 May '22

2 min read

Pic: GOV.UK

UK foreign secretary Liz Truss recently updated the House of Commons on the government's intention to introduce legislation to make changes to the Northern Ireland Protocol. The bill will remove regulatory barriers to goods made as per to UK standards being sold in Northern Ireland. Businesses can choose between meeting UK or European Union (EU) standards in a new dual regulatory regime.

The Protocol has not yet been implemented in full due to the operation of grace periods and easements, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said in a press release.

Rules on taxation mean citizens in Northern Ireland are unable to benefit fully from the same advantages as the rest of the United Kingdom, like the reduction in value added tax on solar panels.

“Our proposed solution would meet both our and the EU’s original objectives for the Protocol. It would address the frictions in East-West trade, while protecting the EU Single Market and the Belfast Good Friday Agreement,” Truss said.

The bill will put in place the necessary measures to lessen the burden on East-West trade and to ensure the people of Northern Ireland can access the same benefits as the citizens of Great Britain.

It will allow both East-West trade and the EU single market to be protected while removing customs paperwork for goods remaining in the United Kingdom.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)

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