Postponement of EU Entry/Exit system "good for business" says Logistics UK

 Reports that the introduction of the European Entry and Exit System (EES) is to be delayed has been welcomed by Logistics UK. The system, which will see passengers fingerprinted on entry to the EU, was due to be introduced from 10 November but reports indicate this date could be pushed back. 

“Reports that the full introduction of EES is set to be delayed will be welcomed by logistics businesses,” says Nichola Mallon, Head of Trade at Logistics UK. “Our members have been warning for some time that if the system is rolled out on 10 November, without robust testing of IT systems and without the availability of an App to facilitate registration away from the border, then costly disruption and delays at peak passenger periods are inevitable for hauliers and GB EU trade. 

“Analysis we have undertaken with independent modelling experts MDS Transmodal show that even if delays were limited to 90 minutes for the 3.35 million HGVs that passed through the Short Straits in 2023, the cost to the economy would be £400 million pa. This is a cost that the logistics industry cannot just absorb, not least because our members already operate on incredibly narrow margins and are facing rising operating costs that are putting pressure on their ability to keep trading.  

"Businesses and consumers need goods to arrive as swiftly and seamlessly as possible and it is encouraging to hear that more time is to be made available to iron out issues and implement solutions to ensure that the supply chain can continue to move smoothly.

“While a new introduction date has yet to be confirmed by the EU, it is vital for our sector that the UK government maintains close conversation with its European counterparts to ensure that the test of Member State readiness has, at its core, the smooth flow of freight and trade across the Channel; a critical GB EU supply chain route."

Breathing space but concerns remain: BTOM Safety and Security declarations delayed

In response to the government announcement that the introduction of Safety and Security declarations is to be delayed, Nichola Mallon, Head of Trade at business group Logistics UK, said:  “News that the introduction of the Safety and Security Declarations, originally set to be introduced as part of the UK’s Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) on 31 October 2024, is to be postponed to 31 January 2025 is something that the logistics industry has been requesting for some time, but the sector needs government to use this time wisely.  

"Our members have been requesting more information about how the new border arrangements will work for some time, but even after the appointment of the new government, engagement with industry has been totally lacking. 

“Our members are the organisations which move all the goods that businesses and consumers rely on every day, and they need time and training to ensure that new processes are embedded and operating smoothly and that the supply chain can deliver what all sectors of the economy need.

"This extension beyond Christmas gives some breathing space to our members who are focused on ensuring that festive products reach their destinations at the industry’s busiest time of year.    

“However, more time on its own is not a solution. The government needs to provide clarity and the detail the industry needs to plan and adapt to meet these new trading requirements and changes to avoid this new introductory date being moved again –constant changes to deadlines cost the industry financially and erode confidence in both the government and our sector in terms of our ability to deliver for customers – a situation which is not of our making. 

“Our members deserve meaningful, two-way dialogue to enable them to keep the UK’s supply chain moving and shop shelves stocked.” 

Published On: 10/10/2024 16:07:13

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