The EU has confirmed that its Entry/Exit System (EES) will go live on 12 October, sparking calls for swift government action in the UK from the logistics industry.
Josh Fenton, policy manager at Logistics UK, welcomed the confirmation but highlighted ongoing concerns:
“The confirmed launch date for the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) will finally provide certainty to the members of Logistics UK which move goods to and from the EU.
"However, with only 11 weeks until implementation starts, there is still much detail for the government to confirm, including details of where and how these checks are to be undertaken for those moving goods across the border – with such a short timeframe left, Logistics UK is seeking urgent clarification from DfT and the EU authorities.”
Fenton explained that initially, only a small percentage of border crossings will require registration through EES and biometric data collection.
But the EU plans to expand coverage to all vehicles transiting from the UK after a 180-day introduction period. “It remains to be seen how and when this increase is to be implemented,” he added.
The logistics sector is pressing for assurances that sufficient staffing and infrastructure will be in place to manage the new checks without causing delays.
“Our estimates show that around 46,000 companies, spread throughout the UK, regularly trade in goods where at least 25% of the commodities they deal with pass through the Short Straits at Dover,” Fenton said.
“Any delays that occur at the border will have a knock-on effect nationwide and could have a significant impact on the country’s ability to trade with the EU in the longer term, as well as affecting the availability of goods within the supply chain.
"his is particularly relevant as winter approaches, when the UK relies more heavily on imported goods, particularly foods.”
Logistics UK is also urging the government to develop a digital solution — such as a mobile app — to facilitate smooth vehicle movements across the border.
“Our members are concerned that delays could be exacerbated during times of high consumer traffic, such as school or public holidays, which can also impact freight movements.”
The timing of the EES introduction is a particular cause for concern. “This system is to be introduced at a critical time of year for the UK’s food supplies, when the country relies on imported produce from the EU, and so it is critical that the UK secures an effective agreement with the EU to keep any checks needed on these goods to a minimum,” Fenton stressed.
He also highlighted the need for clear arrangements allowing UK drivers access to work and travel within the EU. “Currently, non-EU citizens can only have access for 90 days in every 180.
"Without an agreement, the working capabilities of British hauliers in the EU will be severely limited and the situation could cause breakdowns in the UK’s supply chain at a time of year when the country relies on goods from the European Union.”
Concluding, Fenton said: “With the new border arrangements due to come into effect in only a few weeks, Logistics UK is keen to work with the government to solve these issues and keep the flow of goods that the country relies on moving freely across its borders.”