Organised crime gangs are preparing to exploit the eight freeports that are being opened across England as part of the Government’s ‘levelling up’ strategy, experts have warned.

European Commission says failure to apply customs rules in Northern Ireland “significantly increases the risk of smuggling”.

Several large-scale smuggling incidents show that EU concerns over the operation of the Northern Ireland Protocol are not theoretical, it added.

Business groups warn of potential harm to north-south trade under British bill.

Brexit has forced businesses to endure higher costs, more paperwork and border delays, a fresh report has found.

U.K. investment of more than 1 billion pounds ($1.4 billion) to smooth the passage of goods over its new post-Brexit border failed to prevent a slump in trade with the European Union.

The UK Government’s lack of urgency in addressing “glaring holes” in its post-Brexit provisions for agri-food and livestock trade could cause businesses to close, according to a report published today.

Businesses had warned of Northern Ireland-style disruption to trade if yet more red tape was imposed.

Northern Ireland could be used to smuggle illegal drugs and weapons from the EU into Great Britain after Brexit, police have warned.

'This is all so pointless. We are creating a vast customs bureaucracy, with costs passed on to the consumer'

International trade secretary tells PM and chancellor plans risk smuggling and damage to UK reputation.

MPs claim failure to implement a robust customs regime in Northern Ireland will lead to international criminals, including drug traffickers, making plans to target a soft border.

Customs expert warns that open border between tariff regimes was an invitation to smuggle.

Leaked papers obtained by the Guardian show extent of fundamental objections Brussels has raised.

David Sterling’s comments come as report says 40,000 jobs are at risk in region.

THE Garda Commissioner says additional policing will be needed to patrol the border in the event of a hard Brexit.

A previously confidential government study detailing 142 areas of life in Northern Ireland that will be impacted by Brexit has been published, revealing risks to everything from cooperation on congenital heart disease and cross-border child protection to rules preventing the looting of national treasures.

Buying a ham sandwich in Derry and walking across the Border to eat it in Donegal could be illegal from Saturday week, an act of smuggling. As could that family weekly supermarket shopping trip to Newry from Dundalk.

Local firms worry border closure and duties will lead to smuggling and chaos.

Tariffs will be cut to zero on 87% of imports to the UK as part of a temporary no-deal plan but prices of some imports including meat, shoes, underpants and cars will go up.