Brexit, The Northern Ireland Protocol & The Windsor Framework

To avoid a hard border, the UK and the EU agreed on the Northern Ireland Protocol, which keeps Northern Ireland within the EU's single market for goods.

In other words, goods produced in Northern Ireland must meet EU standards and regulations, and goods imported from England, Scotland and Wales into Northern Ireland, were subject to the same checks as if those goods were being moved into the EU.

The Northern Irish Protocol was supposed to represent a solution to this major Brexit issue, but, as with most things Brexit-related, the Protocol created problems, especially for manufacturers and other businesses selling goods to Northern Ireland.

As a starter for ten, businesses have had to deal with customs declarations and comply with EU regulations to ensure their goods can be sold in Northern Ireland. That means extra paperwork, extra checks, and extra costs.

Moreover, there is the added frustration of delays and supply chain disruptions, as goods from other parts of the UK must go through additional checks and paperwork before they can be sold in Northern Ireland.

For some manufacturers, the added hassle and expense have made it unfeasible to continue selling their goods in Northern Ireland since the same is no longer commercially viable.

In summary, products travelling via the green lane would see checks and paperwork significantly reduced.

Under the Northern Ireland Protocol, all parcels moving from Great Britain to Northern Ireland were subject to full customs formalities. These are due to be scrapped, meaning customers based in Northern Ireland can buy goods from UK businesses without undergoing further checks.

Whilst the Windsor Framework must still be ratified by the Joint EU committee and respective governments, it is certainly a step in the right direction and sees a partial reinstatement of the frictionless movement of goods between Britain and Northern Ireland which can only benefit manufacturers.