Logistics businesses are ready for EES – is the UK government?

The EU has confirmed that its Entry/Exit System (EES) is to go live on 12 October. Commenting on the news, Josh Fenton, Policy Manager at business group Logistics UK said:

“The confirmed launch date for the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) will finally provide certainty to the members of Logistics UK which move goods to and from the EU. However, with only 11 weeks until implementation starts, there is still much detail for the government to confirm, including details of where and how these checks are to be undertaken for those moving goods across the border – with such a short timeframe left, Logistics UK is seeking urgent clarification from DfT and the EU authorities.

“While only a small percentage of border crossings will need to be registered via EES and the collection of biometric data from the start date, the EU’s stated plan is to increase coverage to 100% of all vehicles transiting from the UK at the end of the 180-day introduction period. It remains to be seen how and when this increase is to be implemented.”

As Fenton continues, there are still questions to be answered over parts of the scheme: “Logistics UK needs reassurance that there are sufficient staff and infrastructure capacity available to undertake the necessary checks in the short to medium term. Our estimates show that around 46,000 companies, spread throughout the UK, regularly trade in goods where at least 25% of the commodities they deal with pass through the Short Straits at Dover – any delays that occur at the border will have a knock on effect nationwide and could have a significant impact on the country’s ability to trade with the EU in the longer term, as well as affecting the availability of goods within the supply chain. This is particularly relevant as winter approaches, when the UK relies more heavily on imported goods, particularly foods.

“In addition, our members – which move all the goods that the UK economy relies upon – are reiterating their call for the development and introduction of a digital solution to the system, such as an app, which can be used to ensure a seamless movement of vehicles across the border, with minimal or no delays. Our members are concerned that delays could be exacerbated during times of high consumer traffic, such as school or public holidays, which can also impact freight movements.”

The timing of the introduction of EES is of concern to Logistics UK: “This system is to be introduced at a critical time of year for the UK’s food supplies, when the country relies on imported produce from the EU, and so it is critical that the UK secures an effective agreement with the EU to keep any checks needed on these goods to a minimum.

“It is also imperative that the UK and EU reach a workable agreement on access arrangements for drivers to enable British drivers to work and travel on the Continent: currently, non-EU citizens can only have access for 90 days in every 180. Without an agreement, the working capabilities of British hauliers in the EU will be severely limited and the situation could cause breakdowns in the UK’s supply chain at a time of year when the country relies on goods from the European Union.

“With the new border arrangements due to come into effect in only a few weeks, Logistics UK is keen to work with the government to solve these issues and keep the flow of goods that the country relies on moving freely across its borders.”

Logistics UK is one of the UK’s biggest business groups, representing logistics businesses which are vital to keeping the UK trading, and more than seven million people directly employed in the making, selling and moving of goods. With decarbonisation, Brexit, new technology and other disruptive forces driving change in the way goods move across borders and through the supply chain, logistics has never been more important to UK plc. Logistics UK supports, shapes and stands up for safe and efficient logistics, and is the only business group which represents the whole industry, with members from the road, rail, water and air industries, as well as the buyers of freight services such as retailers and manufacturers whose businesses depend on the efficient movement of goods. For more information about the organisation and its work, please visit logistics.org.uk