We don’t yet know if the UK (and Ireland) will soon need to display similar notices.
Irish border discussions are at the top of the Brexit agenda and unresolved. Political implications apart, worth looking at the scale of the problem.
Over 90,000 Irish companies trade with the UK, €18 billion in goods travel in the other direction each year. Every day, 13,000 commercial vehicles cross the Irish border in both directions.
Half the post arriving in Ireland comes from the UK, 3.6 million people travel from the UK to Ireland every year, the same number the other way around.
Potential Implications
If there is no deal, or a patchy deal, trade could follow WTO rules. Tariffs apart, the admin, financial burden and infrastructure needs would be substantial, throughout the EU, more than most with Ireland.
Almost whatever is agreed, UK imports and exports will require additional paperwork. A safety and security declaration, a manifest, or schedule are likely, they may be electronic rather than on paper but still bring work.
Number plate recognition has been put forward, to allow vehicles to pass without stopping, where a declared consignment has been given clearance. Commissioning such a system would present timing and technical challenges.
Certain consignments would in any event not be green routed and require examination. There is also the question of temporary imports, substantial between the UK and Ireland, they could be in the same system but may not be.
Non EU temporary import procedures can be onerous, an ATA carnet would be a solution if there isn’t a deal, a point which has been discussed. Not business we choose to see but will naturally meet if that is decided.
Looking Post Brexit
In principle, goods arriving in most countries normally have to be presented to customs, or lodged in a suitable temporary storage facility.
The Irish Government initially stated that a truly open border is not possible post Brexit. The EU Customs Union sets the border aside and the current stance is that after Brexit, the UK will not be part of that.
The Irish view has modified recently, suggesting that the best outcome would be for the UK to remain in the customs union and single market. The UK government however seems far from such a solution.
Without a viable answer, businesses, airlines, shipping, freight companies, or government agencies will have their hands full and face new costs.
Ultimately, cost/benefit will be part of the decision, good news if common sense is as well. The UK’s trade with Ireland deserves to be and benefits from being open, to support history, along with the future.