RHA reaction to UK / EU deal

The Road Haulage Association (RHA) has called today's initial UK/EU summit announcement of a new Common SPS Area "encouraging" as it promises to ease food import and export processes between the UK and EU by reducing costs and delays for cross-border goods movements. 

According to the UK Government, the agreement when implemented - will remove certain checks on food and drink exports, including in both directions between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, eliminating certificates and controls that have hampered trade flows and freight movements.

RHA Managing Director, Richard Smith said:

"The initial news and commitments coming out of the summit will be welcomed by businesses, specifically those operating in Northern Ireland, as if implemented, these changes will potentially reduce friction and enable smoother trade between GB and NI and within the UK internal market. While we await the more technical details - which are still emerging, these initial changes are encouraging. We'll be engaging with businesses across industry in the weeks ahead to ask further questions."

However, the RHA continues to express concerns over other Windsor Framework specific customs regulations and operations, citing an ongoing lack of clarity and real-time communication in a range of areas. (Including the definition of 'at risk', and the reliability of the current TSS model.) 


"We again urge Ministers to recognise the significant ongoing impact on the Northern Ireland supply chain. There is a lot of work still be done. We'll continue to highlight these issues, and we'll be liaising with members and other trade and industry bodies in the weeks ahead." 

The Association noted that while the EU remains the UK's largest trading partner, recent years have seen a marked decline in exports, negatively affecting economic growth. Although reduced red tape and streamlined border procedures should help address trade reduction, the RHA remains concerned about driver availability.

Richard added:

"British international hauliers, coach operators and live event hauliers working in Europe are currently restricted by the 90/180-day rule. We welcome further UK-EU talks on this critical issue.

"We await further technical details on all commitments and will continue monitoring developments closely while remaining ready to collaborate with decision makers and trusted partners on finding solutions."

ENDS