Ministers Harris and Collins confirm Brexit customs supports offered by Skillnet Ireland will continue this year

From Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris TD and Minister of State for Skills and Further Education Niall Collins TD have today (15 February) confirmed Brexit customs supports will be extended to businesses for the first quarter of the year.

Since the beginning of this year, businesses, trading either with or through Great Britain, are subject to a range of new customs formalities and other regulatory requirements.

These supports offer virtual training for staff

on how to effectively complete a customs declaration and avoid the challenges.

The Ministers also announced a new 2-day online specialised course for those directly involved in the agriculture import and export sector, created in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture.

Speaking today, Minister Harris said:

"Brexit has brought many challenges for businesses and we know there are many people were confronted by the harsh realities of it on January 1st when custom checks were implemented.

"This training is invaluable for companies who continue to or intend to do import or export goods in or out of the UK. Things have changed following Brexit, and it's important for businesses and their staff to be aware of the changes, and to ensure that they know what to do when it comes to documentation and customs declarations."

Over 3,000 people have undertaken or are in the process of undertaking the "Clear Customs" training to date. 232 participants have enrolled in the module designed for the agriculture import and export sector.

Minister Collins added:

"This is the one area of upskilling that should be a prerequisite for any businesses trading with the UK. There are places available - the training takes place online and is free of charge, so there is no excuse for not getting your business up to date."

Clear Customs from Skillnet Ireland is an initiative to support Irish companies trading with and through Great Britain in developing the capacity to deal with new customs requirements arising from Brexit. Participants that successfully complete this free Clear Customs training are eligible for a QQI Level 6 Certificate in Customs Clearance Procedures awarded.