What should be a straightforward supply of goods between firms is now mired in customs red tape. Businesses have reported being charged over £200 to move a parcel of ties, clothing or components. Even where goods should be exempt under the waiver, parcel operators are imposing charges of £12–£14 per consignment, treating normal B2B deliveries as if they were bound for the EU. For companies dependent on regular, low-value consignments, these costs are unsustainable and are eroding competitiveness.

Speaking on the issue, Carla Lockhart MP said:

“The parcels border is not just an inconvenience for consumers, it is a direct threat to Northern Ireland’s business-to-business supply chains. Firms who rely on regular shipments of stock, spare parts, and components are being priced out by needless bureaucracy and punitive charges.”

“I have raised this matter directly with HMRC and Cabinet officials, bringing affected businesses into the room to explain the damage being caused. The message could not be clearer: this situation is jeopardising jobs, investment, and the viability of local enterprises.”

“Charges labelled as ‘handling fees’ are in reality customs clearance charges. Duties are being wrongly applied, and companies are being forced into costly palletised groupage just to avoid the system. This is an impossible burden for small and medium-sized firms.”

“An increasing number of Northern Ireland businesses cannot plan, cannot trade with Great Britain, and cannot grow with these barriers in place. Diversion of trade is real, it is happening, and the Government must act.”