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Since 23 June new rules on importing second hand farm machinery from Great Britain have been implemented and the DUP’s Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP has called the rules outrageous.
Ms Lockhart said “For the last three weeks, used farm machinery imported to NI from GB, has been subject to EU rules. It is absolutely outrageous, and is proving to be a logistical and financial nightmare for local machinery dealers and other businesses.
“It’s nothing other than a box ticking exercise, and another cumbersome example of the EU’s draconian and illogical requirements that are being enforced by the Labour government.
“The latest plight was outlined by Gareth Gault from Grassmen, during a return journey to Northern Ireland following the Royal Highland Show. It doesn’t make sense that his immaculate and highly polished tractors and machinery, used for exhibition purposes at the four-day show, were refused entry at Larne Port and forced to return to Cairnryan pending the correct paperwork.”
Ms Lockhart said: “This is a bureaucratic disaster for Northern Ireland’s agri-food and machinery sectors. It’s expensive, unnecessary and politically outrageous! There is no justification, especially given recent UK and EU commitments on SPS arrangements.”
The MP tabled an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons, opposing the enforcement of the burdensome EU regulations.
She has also written to DAERA, DEFRA and the Secretary of State, Hilary Benn MP, seeking urgent discussions on the matter. “The government is out of touch with reality and the damage caused by the Windsor Framework is deepening. Roundtable talks between the government, and those impacted on a daily basis, need to take place as a matter of urgency,” added Ms Lockhart.
“People just want to earn a living, but this madness is having detrimental consequences for local businesses. Meanwhile, government Ministers choose to bury their head in the sand and pretend everything is running smoothly.”
Carla Lockhart MP added: “Problems caused by the parcel border have been well documented. The heightened costs facing businesses are unacceptable. It’s ludicrous that a small box of ties sent from England to Northern Ireland, carries a surcharge of £86.
“We’ve witnessed issues regarding the importation of seed potatoes from GB, and other items destined for the horticultural supply chain.
“It has also been brought to my attention that further regulations, ICS2 – the new system for completing Safety and Security declarations, will require more detailed shipment information and a six digit commodity code, from 1st September 2025.”
Ms Lockhart said: “The government is out of touch with reality. They should stop enforcing the most stringent interpretation of EU law, and pursue common-sense solutions. Local businesses, large and small, are facing huge uncertainty, and delayed deliveries, in the wake of this latest debacle.
“The integrity of the UK internal market is in jeopardy. Instead of inflicting constitutional harm, the government must stand up and challenge these oppressive EU laws. Business owners deserve clarity and fairness, not more red tape that is choking their livelihoods.”
The new rules implemented on Monday, 23rd June, require used farm and forestry machinery, to be thoroughly cleaned, pre-notified via the EU CHED-PP system at least 24hrs before arrival, and accompanied by either a NI Plant Health Label (NIPHL) if staying in NI, or a Phytosanitary Certificate if going to Ireland/EU.
