Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Postal Communications: Customs

Wednesday 6 September 2023 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Postal communications between Britain and Northern Ireland will proceed without customs declarations under the Windsor framework.
  • Northern Ireland consumers can order from businesses in the rest of the UK and receive goods via post without burdensome paperwork.
  • The Windsor framework aims to remove customs processes for parcels to consumers, encouraging smoother supply for businesses.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Jim Shannon DUP Strangford
Northern Ireland Brexit
Context

Concerns have been raised about postal services between Britain and Northern Ireland due to customs declarations, affecting business operations.

Question

What steps are being taken to ensure that postal communications between Britain and Northern Ireland can proceed without the need for customs declarations?

Answer from Steven Baker

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.

Answered
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Q2 Jim Shannon DUP Strangford
Northern Ireland Brexit Business & Trade
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Steven Baker

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Revisiting the framework with EU counterparts and addressing specific concerns raised about higher fees

How: The Framework Is Designed As It Stands, Encouraging Suppliers To Use New Green Lane

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