Christmas Food Deliveries at Risk Due to New EU Border Checks
The UK's Christmas food deliveries are facing potential disruption due to the implementation of new EU border checks. Logistics UK, a trade group representing road, rail, and marine transport firms, has raised concerns about the Entry/Exit System (EES) set to launch on November 10th. This system mandates fingerprint and facial recognition checks for all non-EU passengers at Dover, potentially causing severe tailbacks and jeopardizing the smooth flow of goods.
The EES is expected to significantly increase processing times, with research indicating that a car with four passengers could face delays of up to seven minutes. This could lead to extensive queues, particularly during the crucial "food shoulder" period when the UK relies heavily on imported goods. While most truck drivers are exempt from the new checks, the knock-on effect of passenger delays will still impact lorry traffic, potentially affecting exports of UK perishables like seafood.
Logistics UK is urging the UK Government to implement a comprehensive public awareness campaign, manage expectations, and provide clear guidance on the new procedures. They also call for contingency plans, such as limiting biometric checks, in case of system failures. The organization estimates that border delays could cost the UK economy an estimated £400 million annually.
The Government has allocated £10.5 million to support preparations for the EES, but this funding primarily covers infrastructure improvements rather than direct solutions to mitigate delays. While preparations for a publicity campaign are underway, details remain scarce. Logistics UK emphasizes the need for a broad approach, leveraging both mainstream and social media channels.
With the festive season approaching, the spotlight is on the Government and logistics firms to avert a potential Christmas supply chain crisis. Effective communication, clear guidance, and contingency plans are crucial to ensure the smooth flow of goods and avoid disruptions to Christmas celebrations.