SPS groupage guidance should prevent delays, says Logistics UK

Logistics UK and several members were involved in the early planning phase of what the scheme should look like.

Groupage is where small shipments of goods with the same or near origin and destination are combined in a single load. The guidance will help hauliers using groupage comply with SPS regulations (rules governing the movement of products of plant and animal origin) while reducing costs for customers and using the system to improve efficiency.

Seamus Leheny, Policy Manager, Northern Ireland, said: “Logistics UK is cautiously optimistic that the solution proposed will help prevent delays, by reducing the number of vehicles needing to be inspected on arrival in Northern Ireland if administered correctly. The sector will continue to work closely with both Defra and DAERA as the scheme develops, because it is still untested for larger volumes of traffic and it is clear that further IT developments will be required as the system evolves. As the scheme expands, it will be vital for government to work closely with GB companies sending goods to Northern Ireland to ensure they are fully briefed on how to prepare groupage loads of SPS goods for NI. Goverment will need to ensure there is sufficient capacity of official veterinarian staff to administer this scheme.”

*www.logistics.org.uk/brexit

Published On: 04/02/2021 17:00:55

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