An Post Launches UK Direct Service to Ease Post-Brexit Trade for Irish SMEs

Irish little and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) gain a new pathway to the UK market with the launch of An Post’s UK Direct service, designed to overcome the complexities and costs associated with post-Brexit trade barriers. The service, a partnership with Royal Mail, offers a streamlined end-to-end parcel delivery and returns solution.

Addressing Post-Brexit Challenges

Since the UK’s departure from the European Union, Irish businesses have faced increased difficulties when shipping goods to Britain. These challenges include customs charges, exacting compliance demands, and considerable delays, impacting their ability to efficiently serve the UK’s 69 million consumers. A 2024 survey by the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland revealed that 34% of Irish SMEs had either reduced or ceased sales to UK customers due to these changes, with 26% reducing activity and 8% stopping sales altogether. [RTE]

How UK Direct Works

UK Direct provides a “full turnkey solution” for Irish SMEs, encompassing advance customs payments and a guaranteed three-day delivery timeframe with end-to-end tracking. [Irish Times] The service also includes a simple, integrated, and secure returns system for UK customers. Businesses can register to access the service and integrate it into their existing e-commerce platforms.

Benefits for Irish Businesses

• Simplified Customs: Pre-cleared UK customs procedures reduce administrative burdens.
• Faster Delivery: Three-day delivery to the UK market.
• Enhanced Tracking: End-to-end tracking provides visibility throughout the shipping process.
• Easy Returns: Integrated returns system simplifies the returns process for customers.
• Access to a Large Market: Opens access to the UK’s 69 million-strong consumer base.

Industry Reaction

Industry leaders have welcomed the launch of UK Direct. Paul Lynam, Director General of the British Irish Chamber of Commerce, described the service as “incredibly welcome,” noting that it addresses the disproportionate impact of post-Brexit trade challenges on smaller businesses. [RTE] Simon McKeever, Chief Executive of the Irish Exporters Association, called it “a positive shift” in how Ireland can do business with the UK. [RTE]

Fiona Fitzsimons, owner of Irish jewellery company Betty and Biddy, described the service as “a total gamechanger,” highlighting the difficulties her business previously faced navigating customs charges and reliable delivery to the UK. [RTE]

Future Plans

An Post is also working to establish a similar system to facilitate trade from Britain into the Irish market, continuing efforts to remove trade barriers between the two countries. [RTE]

Brexit and Parcel Delivery: A Quick Reference

For general information regarding Brexit and parcel delivery with An Post:

• Letters: No changes to letter post between Great Britain and Ireland.
• Parcels to Great Britain: Require a customs form, available on the An Post website or at local Post Offices.
• Parcels from Great Britain: May incur customs charges, often applied by retailers at the point of purchase. Charges may apply to gifts valued at €45 or more.
• Northern Ireland: No changes to letter or parcel post between Northern Ireland and Ireland; no customs charges or forms are required.

[An Post]