The Covid certification scheme regulations will go before the Assembly on Monday.
The Department of Health has confirmed that regulations will be laid in draft form on Monday, but will require the approval of MLAs before they can become operational.
It has said that this reflects the Executive's decision for a grace period for the scheme, where there will be no enforcement until December 13, to allow for the bedding-in of the regulations.
The department has said that the scheme will only be mandatory for licensed premises at this stage, including those venues where you can "bring your own".
A DoH spokesperson said: "This phased approach follows feedback during engagement with the retail, hospitality, tourism and events sectors.
"The Department will continue to work with Executive Covid Taskforce (ECT) colleagues on ongoing engagement with the key sectors.
"Meetings with sector representatives hosted by ECT are ongoing. There have been eight engagement meetings this week, the most recent of which were held this afternoon.
"It should be noted that the Covid certification scheme, as agreed by the Executive, is not a vaccine passport scheme. It requires proof of either full vaccination status; or a negative Lateral Flow test result in the previous 48 hours; or proof of recovery from a positive PCR test in the previous 30-180 days.
"Covid certification can reduce the number of infected people in high risk settings. Vaccinated people are less likely to become infected and ill than unvaccinated people. There is also evidence, from several studies worldwide, that even when people get infected, if they are vaccinated they are less likely to transmit it to others.
"The biggest threat to customer confidence and the economy this winter would be an escalating surge in Covid infections. Vaccination and improved adherence to public health measures can help push down infections. So can Covid certification.
"We would encourage everyone to apply for digital Covid certificates: www.nidirect.gov.uk/services/apply-travel-covid-vaccination-certificate."
