BREXIT: Problems with customs formalities in the United Kingdom are increasing
The problems caused by the complicated border formalities between the United Kingdom and the European Union caused by Brexit have been increasing recently. Transport & Logistiek Nederland (TLN) therefore says that it is important that these problems are tackled as quickly as possible because the volume of the goods is still relatively low and there is not yet a lot of traffic at the border.
Due to the extra customs formalities, delays in goods transport are increasing. The large German logistics company DB Schenker is now even temporarily halting deliveries to the United Kingdom to better streamline border procedures. Many companies have incomplete or incorrectly filled in the customs documents, says DB Schenker.
“We must therefore do everything we can to solve these growing pains now, before it gets busier and the problems will only get worse,” said a TLN spokesperson. The trade association itself does not yet see extremely long waiting times at the border, but does notice that much more bureaucratic red tape has indeed been added. According to TLN, British companies in particular seem to be less prepared for the new customs formalities because they started their preparations for Brexit later.
Evofenedex, which represents the trade and logistics interests of 15,000 companies in the Netherlands, also sees that there are increasing problems with customs formalities. The organization speaks of “teething problems due to discomfort”, especially on the British side. Evofenedex also believes that matters should now be dealt with as soon as possible, before the crowds at the UK border increase. “We are working hard to inform our supporters as well as possible and to ensure that the finishing touches are put on,” said a spokesperson.
The Port of Rotterdam Authority has said it has been saying for years that preparations had to be made for the extra border formalities due to Brexit. The Port Authority hopes that these will be temporary “habituation problems” that will be resolved over time. According to the port of Rotterdam, there are reports that British exporters to the EU in particular do not regularly have customs paperwork in order.
Source Credit: taxlive.nl