A new Brexit trade deal for Northern Ireland announced by the United Kingdom and European Union on February 27 will result, upon approval from Parliament, in two transit lanes being established for products entering Northern Ireland from Britain. Under terms of the Northern Ireland Protocol Agreement, dubbed the “Windsor Framework,” a green lane for goods destined to remain in Northern Ireland is to be set up, along with a Red Lane for products which may be sent onward to the Republic of Ireland, an EU member state.
Items going through the green lane would see checks and paperwork requirements removed, while red lane goods would remain subject to checks. Additionally, prohibitions on certain foods, such as chilled sausages entering Northern Ireland from Britain, would be eliminated.
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak (pictured above), during a press conference with Ursula von der Leyen, president of the EU Commission, stated:
“In the green lane, burdensome customs bureaucracy will be scrapped. It means food retailers like supermarkets, restaurants and wholesalers will no longer need hundreds of certificates for every lorry (truck). And we will end the situation where food made to UK rules could not be sent to and sold in Northern Ireland. This means that if food is available on the supermarket shelves in Great Britain…then it will be available on supermarket shelves in Northern Ireland.”
The British Frozen Food Federation (BFFF) has welcomed the outcome of negotiations between the UK Government and European Commission. Commenting on the Northern Ireland Protocol agreement, Chief Executive Rupert Ashby stated:
“The settlement reached is good news for businesses throughout the frozen food supply chain which are looking forward to more efficient trade relations within the UK and to the EU. For frozen food producers, distributors and retailers which have faced difficulties since the Withdrawal Agreement, this marks the beginning of a positive new chapter.”
He added: “Frozen food has become an increasingly popular choice for consumers looking for high quality and affordable options in their weekly shop, and I know that our members will seek to reach more of the Northern Ireland and EU markets through this renewed opportunity.”
