NI businesses trading qualifying NI goods (QNIG)
As part of the revised protocol to the Withdrawal Agreement agreed by the United Kingdom and the European Union, EU REACH will continue to apply in Northern Ireland after the transition period ends.
Introduction
As part of the revised protocol to the Withdrawal Agreement agreed by the United Kingdom and the European Union, EU REACH will continue to apply in Northern Ireland after the transition period ends.
Northern Ireland-based businesses will retain their current role and obligations under EU REACH in respect to access to the EU/EEA and NI markets.
After the transition period ends, Northern Ireland-based businesses will no longer be able to rely on EU REACH registrations held by Great Britain-based businesses.
Implications
Once UK REACH comes into force, businesses involved in the shipment of goods from NI to GB will need to take steps to retain GB market access. Full registration dossiers will not be required in respect of qualifying Northern Ireland goods. However, some information detailing the type of substance entering the GB market will be required. This responsibility falls on GB importers but may be assumed by their NI suppliers.
NI businesses currently relying on a GB-based EU REACH registration will need to explore whether the holder of that registration plans to transfer it to an EU/EEA-based legal entity, and if not, seek alternative means to comply with EU REACH.
The definition of QNIGs is available at the following link: