New EU border costs will hurt SMEs, warns Logistics UK

With just a few days to go before the next wave of changes under the new border target operating model (BTOM) go live, Logistics UK said its members did not share the government’s confidence that everything would run smoothly.

The government said it had “full confidence” that the infrastructure and systems were in place for health and safety checks on EU imports of certain food goods to commence at the end of the month.

The department for environment, food and rural affairs (Defra) said: “The priority for physical checks from day one will be on the highest risk goods, and port health authorities will be conducting documentary checks on consignments of all risk levels and will contact traders where they have concerns.

“Checks will be scaled up to full check levels in a sensible and controlled way. Our approach ensures we are striking the appropriate balance between protecting the UK from biosecurity risks and facilitating trade.”

However, Logistics UK’s Head of Trade and Devolved Policy Nichola Mallon, said: “With just a few days to go before this new regime comes into force, fundamental questions remain about the capabilities of the government’s systems and facilities to process loads containing food and other perishable goods efficiently and at pace.

“Any delays can ruin fresh produce, reducing its value and increasing wastage, and this could cause breaks in the UK’s interconnected supply chain.

“Further urgent clarification is needed from government on the exact timeline as to when physical checks will be scaled up and how the charging system will be enforced. And government still hasn’t responded to industry concerns that the cumulative cost of these new processes will put smaller operators out of business.”

Mallon said that despite haulage companies’ best efforts to prepare for the BTOM, its members continued to face chaos: “Logistics businesses deserve clarity on how they are to continue to operate effectively to protect the UK’s supply chain,” she added.

Members are advised to contact Logistics UK with any queries and also to share their experiences which we can then raise directly with government.

Email contact: policyteam@logistics.org.uk

Published On: 25/04/2024 15:25:32

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