The UK Government has published a Written Ministerial Statement (WMS) which confirms the ‘standstill’ arrangements proposed in the Command Paper published on 23 July 2021.
The ‘standstill’ arrangements mean that the current processes for moving goods from Great Britain (GB) to Northern Ireland (NI) will continue to be administered as they have been up to this point.
For traders moving goods from GB to NI, this means that the current grace periods and easements currently in force will be extended.
The Government set out proposals in its Command Paper for significant changes to the operation of the NI Protocol, and a ‘standstill’ arrangement was proposed to provide space for discussions with the EU to continue. The ‘standstill’ provides certainty and stability to businesses while the discussions proceed.
The European Commission have issued a statement in response, which recognises the UK announcement and states that they do not plan on opening any new infringements for now, wishing to engage constructively on the Protocol.
This is lawful and consistent with the Government’s good faith efforts to find a durable settlement on the Protocol. We believe there is a shared understanding of the importance of providing stability to operators while those discussions proceed.
Keeping you informed
We will keep you informed and up to date on developments that affect traders moving goods from Great Britain to Northern Ireland.
Should you have any questions or queries about this in the meantime, please email us at traders@defra.gov.uk.