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Ministers have announced that they will extend the grace period for UK supermarkets and suppliers to easily adapt to import controls, writes independent.co.uk.
Since the entry into force of Brexit and the new rules on January 1, there has been a severe shortage of products in supermarkets in Northern Ireland. The problem is projected to get even worse after the grace period ends. So far, this period is scheduled for the end of March.
According to Brandon Lewis, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, in a statement issued on Wednesday, the government will take a series of interim measures to relax the terms of the agreement with the EU.
In addition, he said, the grace period will last at least until October 1. – to avoid growing food shortages in Northern Ireland from the entry into force of the Brexit Agreement on 1 January.
The European Commission (EC) has accused the British government of violating international law for the second time, and UK ministers have said the UK will act unilaterally and give Northern Ireland companies time to adapt to the new rules. of Brexit.
According to the Vice President of the EC, Maroš Šefčovič, the declaration by Brandon Lewis, Secretary of State of Northern Ireland, that products from Great Britain will be exempted from border controls is a violation of the provisions of the Brexit agreement, reports theguardian. com.
“This is the second time that the UK government has intended to violate international law,” the EC said in a statement. “This is a clear departure from the constructive approach that has existed until now.”
The UK government has asked the EU to extend the grace period until 2023, but Brussels is refusing to do so.
The EU argues that it is not possible for the UK to unilaterally change an agreement that has already been signed and ratified.
Ignoring an international agreement would be a violation of international law. The EU and the UK are discussing this important issue in the Joint Committee.
In his report, Mr Lewis also stated that according to the UK-EU Joint Committee decision of 24 February, the temporary agricultural and food supply plan for supermarkets and their suppliers would be in effect until 1 October. . A new digital assistance scheme and new certification requirements will be introduced later, which will come into effect in stages.
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