Whether you are trading North or South, the data border is real.
Trading South? (NI → ROI)
The Trap: You are a Belfast business selling to Dublin.
The Risk: To the EU, you are now a "Third Country" exporter. The "Green Lane" is for customs, not for customer emails.
The Fix: You must appoint an EU Representative (Article 27) to answer to the Irish Data Protection Commission.
Our Role: Through BHD Governance EU (our ROI-based entity), we are qualified to act as your authorized face in the EU and ensure you comply with GDPR statutory requirements.
Trading North? (ROI → NI)
The Trap: You are a Dublin/Cork business with clients or customers in Belfast or Newry.
The Risk: Northern Ireland is in the UK jurisdiction for data. You are no longer protected by the "One Stop Shop." You are subject to the UK GDPR and the UK Regulator, the ICO.
The Fix: In the same way, you need to appoint a UK Representative to comply with the UK GDPR requirement (Article 27).
Our Role: Through BHD Governance UK (our UK-based entity), we are qualified to act as your authorized face in the UK to ensure compliace with UK GDPR statutory requirements.
Most "Global" compliance firms don't understand the Northern Ireland Protocol or the unique position of cross-border trade.
We Understand
The Green Lane is for customs, not data. Trucks and goods can move freely, but data hits a hard border. To the Data Protection Commission in Dublin, your Belfast business is just as foreign as a business in New York or Tokyo. And vice versa. If you actively sell or market to customers across the border (either direction), the "No Hard Border" rule does not apply to your liability.
For NI Firms: Don't let your Third Country status block your Southern sales.
For ROI Firms: Don't let Brexit red tape block your Northern sales.
International business: Selling to the whole island? Since you have no office in Belfast or Dublin, you need both. See our services and ask about our Dual Shield bundle.
The "All-Island" Compliance Pack
We're in the business of reducing companies' compliance risks. Here's what we can do:
Instant Compliance: Full digital mandate issued in minutes.
Dual Shield: Coverage for both UK and EU regulators if you trade both ways.
Regulatory compliance: we act as your authorised representative and regulatory liaison.
Cultural understanding: We know NI business because our team is from here.
Flat Fee: No hourly rates. Just a simple annual subscription to keep your data flowing as fast as your goods.
GET IN TOUCH: info@bhdgovernance.com