UK/EU deal is a positive step when resetting relationship with EU, says Logistics UK

The revisions, announced at the UK/EU Summit, will be welcomed in principle by the sector, says Head of Trade and Devolved Policy, Nichola Mallon, but full judgement will be reserved until the detail can be assessed:

“The new deal has the potential to drive growth throughout the UK by boosting GB agrifood trade to NI, and between GB and the EU, through reduced bureaucracy, costs and border delays. While the technical details have yet to be agreed, our members will welcome the deal in principle.

"It is now vital that the technical discussions and implementation, shaped by the input of businesses which have the expertise, are completed as a matter of urgency, so that UK traders and logistics businesses can realise the benefits of trading under the revised terms.

“The current requirement for Sanitary and PhytoSanitary (SPS) checks on plant and animal products moving between GB and EU and vice versa is adding time, bureaucracy and cost to UK traders and logistics operators. It is a burden that is hard to manage for SMEs and groupage operators in particular, as they must pay fees on each of the smaller shipments that they combine together.

"Since the UK’s decision to leave the EU was announced, Logistics UK has been consistent in calling for a comprehensive SPS Agreement between both economies. We have been making the case robustly to government and we are delighted at this commitment to a joint agreement that should smooth the passage of agrifood and plant products into and out of the country while protecting the UK’s biosecurity.

“There are still challenges facing the logistics sector when it comes to customs, the Schengen Area rule of a maximum of 90 days stay within any 180-day period and the restrictions this places on servicing touring artists, and Logistics UK will continue to urge the UK government and EU to be ambitious in this ongoing reset of relations and in the upcoming Review of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement. 

“As always, our industry stands ready to provide real-world advice and expertise to governments on both sides of the Channel to ease the passage of goods to the end user.”