With forty per cent of all exports from Ireland to Europe using the UK as a land break the impact of Brexit on Irish trade could be significant, if customs are to be reintroduced. This was a point raised today with the publication of a report entitled ‘Brexit and Customs – Cost and Consequences’ by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ireland.

Its publication is most timely given the fact that Shannon Chamber is hosting a breakfast seminar on the same topic next Wednesday, 10 May in the Oakwood Arms Hotel in Shannon from 8-9:30am.

The seminar is being delivered by John O’Leary, head of e-Customs and director of Brexit planning with Revenue, who will bring his extensive experience of the EU element of the customs world to bear in anticipating what may lie ahead for Irish businesses trading with the UK.

Speaking ahead of the event, Shannon Chamber’s chief executive Helen Downes said: “Whilst the extent of Brexit’s impact on Irish trade with the UK cannot be reliably predicted until the UK negotiates its trade deal with the EU, companies still need to be prepared for what might lie ahead. The main concern over the past year has been currency fluctuations but now companies need to organise themselves for the return of customs and the extra burden that will place on their operations in terms of delays and costs.

“For example, Shannon companies currently transiting goods through the UK to Europe are covered by the Common Transit Area arrangement, but once the UK leave the Customs Union, they will lose that, which is a fundamental concern for Irish companies when the EU imposes custom controls on the UK. Given that Ireland is the only EU country with a land border with the UK, this is an added burden. Many companies lack practical customs knowledge and need to prepare well in advance of such practical fall-outs from Brexit.

“We are delighted to have secured a customs expert of the calibre of John O’Leary to address our member companies and any business that is trading with or via the UK. He will be available to answer any pressing questions they may have relating to customs implications. This is a not-to-be-missed seminar on a topic of critical concern for Irish trade,” added Ms Downes.

Bookings for this seminar, which takes place on Wednesday, 10 May from 8-9:30am can be made via https://www.shannonchamber.ie/events/brexit-potential-customs-issues/