Postal Communications Customs 2023-09-06
2023-09-06
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
Concerns have been raised about postal services between Britain and Northern Ireland due to customs declarations, affecting business operations.
What steps are being taken to ensure that postal communications between Britain and Northern Ireland can proceed without the need for customs declarations?
Under the Windsor framework, sending parcels to friends and family in Northern Ireland will be as smooth and easy as it is today, removing any burdensome paperwork, costs or delays. Northern Ireland consumers will be able to order from businesses in the rest of the UK and receive goods in the post as they do now, without customs processes or burdensome costs.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Consumers have contacted the MP to highlight that many online providers like eBay or Amazon no longer ship to Northern Ireland due to enhanced fees, leading to concerns about unequal treatment.
Given that many constituents report that eBay or Amazon will not ship goods to Northern Ireland as they cannot afford the higher fees, what steps can be taken to revisit the framework with EU counterparts to ensure free and fair trade throughout the UK?
Under the protocol as it was, all parcels would have needed to complete full international customs processes. Under the Windsor framework, parcels to consumers will not be subject to those burdensome processes. The Minister encourages suppliers to take advantage of a new green lane for smoother supply chain operations.
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Assessment & feedback
Revisiting the framework with EU counterparts and addressing specific concerns raised about higher fees
The Framework Is Designed As It Stands
Encouraging Suppliers To Use New Green Lane
Response accuracy