The Northern Ireland protocol is proving a “monumental” challenge for officials implementing EU rules at the ports, the chief vet said.
On New Year’s Day, following the end of the Brexit transition, some traders arriving did not pre-notify about their goods, meaning that had to be done retrospectively.
The Government’s senior vet, Dr Robert Huey, said he expected traffic through the ports next week to be busier and added companies wanted to comply.
He said: “Pieces are coming together, it is just a matter of time and giving the industry time to adjust to this monumental challenge.”
The Northern Ireland protocol means animal products arriving from Great Britain must fulfil EU standards and paperwork requirements.
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That means checks are focused on trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Mr Leheny said the protocol governing the new regime was better than nothing.
“At the minute we are taking a glass half full view of it. Our job is to make sure that goods get from A to B.”
There is a lot more administration and red tape
Seamus Leheny, Logistics UK
He said it was an admin-heavy process but the advance declarations system seemed to be working.
Under the terms of the protocol, Northern Ireland remains in the EU single market for goods.
Northern Ireland will also apply EU customs rules at its ports, even though it is still part of the UK customs territory.