IRISH customs officers are from today (Apr 5) checking ferry traffic between Wales and Ireland.
It’s the first time the customs checks have been in place since 1992.
Customs officers have been recruited by the Irish Government to cope with Brexit and will be deployed in Dublin Port and Rosslare Harbour, the Herald understands.
They won’t be carrying out checks just yet on vehicles arriving from Fishguard and Pembroke Dock, but they will be warning lorry drivers about the paperwork they could be expected to produce in just eight days’ time.
The Irish Government released a full statement on the announcement to The Pembrokeshire Herald, saying: “From Friday 5 April, customs officers will be talking with, and providing information to, truck drivers in Dublin and Rosslare Ports to ensure they understand and are aware of the changes that Brexit will mean for their journeys.
“In a no deal scenario, the UK will become a ‘third country’ for trading purposes. This will mean that new rules will apply for businesses importing, exporting to or moving goods through the UK.
It is important that businesses undertake the necessary preparations to comply with these rules, for instance, incomplete or inaccurate information in relation to customs declarations and procedures will lead to delays with knock on impacts for your business.”
Customs officers will be talking with truck drivers as they wait to embark the ferry and will also be available on-board some sailings.
Customs officers are available to help drivers who may have concerns or questions about what they need to do post Brexit, and to help them understand what the changes will be for them as they move through Irish ports.
Although the UK Government is hoping to delay Brexit until May 22, if not later, that depends on the unanimous agreement of the 27 other EU member states at a special summit next Wednesday evening.
Otherwise there will be a no deal Brexit in one week, at 11:00pm on Friday 12 April.
Everything now depends on the outcome of the latest round of talks. Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn are due to meet. The talks are aimed at reaching a last-minute compromise to put to MPs.
If they finally accept the Withdrawal Agreement negotiated by the Prime Minister, unrestricted trade between Britain, Ireland and other EU countries would continue until at least the end of 2020.
