The EU’s upcoming General Product Safety Regulation will be a real barrier to international trade for some of our small firms looking to export to EU member states, but also move goods to Northern Ireland.
Our latest research shows 37% of current exporters rank information on specific issues, including product safety rules, customs etc as one of the most beneficial sources when entering or exploring entry to a new market.
Some 49% of current and would-be exporters see local regulations as key to increase their competitiveness on market entry.
While the UK Government’s newly published guidance on the new EU rule is helpful, small firms are still faced with the complexity and associated costs around it. Governments from both sides should look at removing unnecessary trade barriers, not least those arising from the product safety rules, for small businesses in the UK-EU Trade and Cooperative Agreement review in 2026.
In the meantime, there is a need to strengthen the UK Government export support. Reducing the turnover threshold for one-to-one bespoke support to £400,000 would empower more small firms and start-ups to consider international trade from day one.