Updated 30.07.21
An updated Border Operating Model for imports and exports with the EU has been published, reflecting the revised timetable for introduction of the next stage of UK import requirements from October and then from January 2022.
The Government is running a series of webinars on the introduction of the Border Operating Model. There is also a new Business Readiness Hub which provides access to access to guidance news, webinars and Q&As.
The EU Imports Team at Defra are interested in wholesalers preparedness for the changes in October and January, whether members have been talking to EU suppliers, and issues around vet capacity. FWD will continue to work with them and link to members as necessary.
The Government has set out its proposals for the Northern Ireland Protocol in a new Command Paper outlining that it is seeking to negotiate significant changes. The EU has indicated willingness to continue engagement with the UK on the Protocol, but no desire to renegotiate either the Protocol or the wider Trade and Co-operation Agreement.
The government will postpone checks on imports from the European Union in order to give businesses more time to prepare for the myriad paperwork that awaits. The first checks will begin in October, seven months after they were originally planned to be introduced, and then be phased in over time until March 2022, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Michael Gove has announced.
Updated 03.02.21
UK/France freight traffic volumes are reported to be up to 70-75% of what they would normally be year on year. It is believed that there is a higher percentage of empty lorries travelling than usual,. The amount of vehicles being turned away on the UK side is less than 5%, and turnaways are largely the result of not having a valid negative Covid test.
The French, Dutch and Irish authorities continue to report very high levels of “non-compliance” with SPS requirements. However there are questions over what the interpretation of non-compliance is, and the UK Government is engaged in bilateral conversation about what is an is not considered compliant.
Generally traders and hauliers that have been moving goods throughout are now clear on the key things they must have in place. These include a COMMI (customs/goods representative) in the Port of Calais, plus an accurate consistent TRACES NT entry being made on the import side and ensuring it is consistent with the customs documents and the veterinary certificates.
The rules on Covid-testing for hauliers remain in place – proof of a negative lateral flow test is required within 72hrs for travel to France and withing 24hrs to Holland and Denmark. All hauliers can obtain free tests at a range of Brexit Information and Advice Sites across the UK. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/haulier-advice-site-locations
Expedited Return Scheme
The Expedited Return Scheme allows empty supermarket vehicles travelling from the UK to the EU to be prioritised through the Kent Traffic Management System. Under the scheme supermarket lorries returning to Europe will be prioritised at the border to avoid any food shortages. These measures are only intended to be used in an emergency if congestion to Dover exceeds eight hours and deliveries to UK supermarkets fall below 75% of expectations for two consecutive days. Permits are allocated in proportion to retailers’ current market share of the UK food sector up to 300 per day. FWD, along with all other sectors excluded from the scheme, responded to the a 48-hr consultation to strongly argue that the scheme should not be restricted to supermarkets.
Transporting goods between Great Britain and the EU
updated 18.12.20
Guidance has been published for hauliers and commercial drivers who move goods between Great Britain and the European Union from 1 January 2021, including documents required, new rules to manage traffic heading to ports and new border control processes
Updated 22.10.20
Defra outlined its planning assumptions for disruption at the border from January 1, known as the Reasonable Worse Case Scenario. This has not changed from September and Defra advice is that industry should plan for this scenario.