NI Exec Set To Return As Brexit Border Checks Kick In (2/2)

The details of the agreement between the DUP and the UK gov't regarding GB-NI border checks (see 1058GMT bullet) will be assessed by the EU as to whether there is any threat posed to the integrity of the Single Market or the Good Friday Agreement. The UK gov't has claimed that the Windsor framework is not impacted by the deal, but a Commission spox said that the texts would be examined "when the time comes."

• The agreement is set to come at the same time as Brexit-related checkson 'medium risk' goods including food, plant, and animal imports into the UK come in to force. The checks had been pushed back on several occasions for fear of disrupting supply chains as well as giving businesses ample time to get ready.
• The requirement of "export health certificates" on imports of "medium risk" animal products including meat, fish, and chees, comes in from 31 Jan, with physical checks at the border to be implemented from end-April.
• Some retailers and industry bodies have warned about EU producers halting exports to the UK due to red-tape, as well as a potential inflationary impact for consumers due to the associated bureaucratic costs being passed on. As the BBC reports "The government admitted the extra red tape and checks would increase food prices, but not as much as seen in recent times. It has forecast the controls could push up inflation by 0.2 percentage points over three years."