Northern Ireland-based packaging company, Ace Packaging have said the new “green lane” system for unchecked Northern Ireland goods will benefit packaging companies that have struggled throughout the ongoing Brexit negotiations.

Ian Simpson, director of Ace Packaging, which is based in Ballynahinch, Northern Ireland said: “80% of our existing customers are based on the UK mainland, so it has been very challenging to deal with the added costs and time requirements for the custom checks that were introduced with Brexit.”

“In fact, there have been instances where we have waited up to two weeks for goods to come from the UK to our facility based in Ballynahinch, County Down and this stated this delay was simply due to the customs check required.”

“Prior to Brexit, these deliveries would have been the next day. This has had a significant impact on our ability to compete with UK-based companies. Therefore, we welcome the changes regarding the “Green and Red Lane” system that will allow for no checks on goods coming to Northern Ireland.”

Simpson concluded: “This is a step in the right direction and will once again allow us to be competitive in the UK market.”

The New Windsor Framework and the Green Lane initiative are designed to facilitate trade between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK after Brexit. These initiatives aim to simplify customs procedures and reduce the administrative burden on businesses, making it easier for them to trade with the UK.

The New Windsor Framework establishes a set of principles that guide the implementation of the Northern Ireland Protocol, which governs trade between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK. The framework aims to provide businesses with clarity and certainty about the rules and procedures for trading goods between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK.

The Green Lane initiative is a pilot program that aims to streamline customs procedures for businesses that transport goods between Northern Ireland and Great Britain. The initiative allows businesses that meet certain criteria to benefit from simplified customs procedures, reducing the time and cost of transporting goods.

Together, these initiatives will benefit businesses in Northern Ireland by reducing the administrative burden and providing greater clarity and certainty about the rules and procedures for trading goods with the UK. This should help to facilitate trade and boost economic growth in Northern Ireland.