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Potential for border delays after Brexit, Logistics UK warns
Logistics UK has warned of the potential for significant delays at the UK-EU border when new rules and systems take effect on 1 January 2021. The business group issued its warning in response to a letter from Michael Gove MP, which outlined the government’s projections for freight disruption at the end of the transition period.
“While there is still time to put mitigations in place to avoid [border delays],” said Elizabeth de Jong, Policy Director of Logistics UK, it will be a huge challenge for government and industry to achieve.”
Logistics UK has stressed that traders’ ability to complete and provide the correct paperwork will be the key to ensuring the continued smooth passage of goods through the UK’s supply chain, and it is urging businesses exporting to the EU to install and understand the systems they will need to use in time for the 1 January 2021 deadline.
The business group says it is also incumbent on government, however, to ensure that logistics businesses have details of and access to the UK’s own logistics systems, including Smart Freight and GVMS, so that they have the opportunity to carry out training and testing.
“Full working guidance on the port systems to be used in Europe, particularly in France and Ireland, must also be provided by our EU partners,” de Jong said, to minimise delays and the potential for disruption to the supply chain at a time of year when the UK depends on imported goods across a number of sectors.
“With so much still to do, it is vital that all parties work together to keep the flow of trade moving smoothly between the UK and EU.”
*www.logistics.org.uk/brexit
Published On: 24/09/2020 13:31:58
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In brief
LOGISTICS SCOTLAND
With the economic and political outlook desperately uncertain, how can industry optimise the service it provides, while remaining flexible and responsive to changing demands? These issues and more will be debated at Logistics UK’s annual Logistics Scotland conference, to be held virtually on 3 December 2020 on an online events platform. Tickets for the conference are now available for £155+VAT for Logistics UK members.
www.logistics.org.uk/ls20
CHANCELLOR'S PLAN WELCOMED
Logistics UK has welcomed the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s package of measures to support the economy over the winter months. David Wells, Logistics UK’s Chief Executive, said: “We are pleased the Chancellor has listened to our fears and offered a platform for economic growth and recovery. With the UK remaining in crisis mode, ongoing, flexible financial support for businesses will be essential until the economy recovers.”
https://logistics.org.uk/media/press-releases/september-2020/logistics-uk-response-to-chancellor-s-winter-econo
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