WHAT

Every product that is traded outside of a "free trade agreement" is liable to some level of customs check.
Of course much of this is done on "trust" but, if there is a difference in duty/tax etc, the Irish border will become THE go to place for smuggling product in and out of the EU. It has very little to do with arms and drugs, although this may become more prevalent, post Brexit and more to do with pound notes to the Exchequer.
I thought that you were a little more savvy with this kind of stuff ??

Having valid documents usually prevents any physical checks on goods but, if tariffs in either direction between the UK and the EU are substantially different, there would need to be a higher level of scrutiny.

This stuff goes on all the time with products arriving in the UK, although Joe public never really sees any of this.

Certain countries have their own inspectors, who may wish to witness the loading of containers etc, which is still common place in some of the African countries.

Any kind of hard border will attract dissident republicans attention simply because they would see it as imposed by the UK government and therefore a fair target. As soon as that happens then the whole thing escalates. Dissident republicans want an escalation and this would provide the catalyst. Dissident republican terrorism is in the top three terrorist risks that the security services deal with along with Islamist groups and right wing groups. They haven’t gone away.

Every single load of animals arriving in NI from mainland GB is already has to undergo inspection & health checks. So the principle has already been established. Some meat products from outside the EU also have to undergo checks when arriving in NI.

You are correct; any physical structure demarcing the border will be viewed as a sign of British imperialism by some republicans.
An interesting alternative view;
rlhttps://www.counterpunch.org/2018/09/04/if-the-troubles-return-after-brexit-it-wont-just-be-because-of-the-irish-border-issue/rl

Brexit will soon be a minor problem for the EU. The Italian banking system is ready to pop, plus the Italians have told the EU that they will not be subject to interference from Brussels in setting a budget. Germany having crushed the Greeks might find the Italians a different proposition. Read a copy of the Irish times last week apparently fifty per cent of Irish beef is exported to the uk. If no deal is done wto tariffs are charged which is fifty percent, obviously the Irish farmers are extremely concerned to say the least.

Our Government can make decisions about what to do or not do on our side of the border but on the other side it's up to the EU country in question. Interesting stories have surfaced about what the French may or may not do. I'm sure it's all unfounded and is just project fear, the French have always had our best interests at heart.

Excellent and informed post - it certainly did deserve repetition.

My Dad grew up in Belfast - I discussed this with him the other day and he agreed - the presence of a hard border would be fuel to a flame that despite the GFA, has never really gone out.

So the Catholics are going to revolt over a border put in by the Catholics - really

Yes I'm sure everyone will blame them

Like when they used to throw our lamb into the harbour in their country? It seems like you have never read The Forbidden Game either. The French have NEVER had our intrests at heart.

I agree mate, I was being sarcastic.

Nah, this is just more "project fear" a name give to any awkward question or situation or "snowflake" if they think they want to try and belittle you.

Not really, both sides are guilty of taunts. Eg the brexit brigade are old and will probably die before we are out of the EU. So therefore the votes don’t count.Still the whole scenario is keep me entertained. Saw somebody’s Twitter posting about last Saturday’s March. Quote… it was wonderful everybody was so well behaved especially when we were all in pret a manger. Bet waitrose takings we’re down for the day.