The new EU border checks threaten to disrupt Christmas food deliveries this year, sparking concerns among trade groups.
- A new Entry/Exit System (EES) will be implemented on 10 November, requiring facial recognition and fingerprint checks for non-EU passengers at Dover.
- Logistics UK warns that these checks could lead to significant congestion, affecting the flow of goods and potentially causing long delays.
- Research from Imperial College London indicates every extra minute of car processing might add up to 10 miles of traffic queues.
- The costs associated with such delays could significantly impact consumer prices, as additional charges are absorbed by the supply chain.
The impending implementation of the Entry/Exit System on 10 November has sparked concerns about potential disruptions to Christmas food deliveries. The system mandates facial recognition and fingerprint checks for all non-EU passengers at Dover, which could result in considerable congestion, according to reports. The new regulations aim to tighten security but may inadvertently hinder the smooth flow of goods, crucial during the seasonal spike in imports.
Logistics UK has highlighted the potential for substantial disturbances to the supply chain as a result of these changes. Given the heavy reliance on imported goods such as meat, vegetables, fruit, dairy, and eggs during the winter months, the timing of these additional checks is particularly precarious. With Dover and Eurotunnel handling over half of the UK’s trade with continental Europe, the implications of such delays are significant.
Calculations conducted by Imperial College London reveal that even minor increases in car processing time at the border could lead to a dramatic rise in traffic backlog, potentially extending queues by up to 10 miles. Evidence presented to parliament noted that, in severe cases, these disruptions could result in 14-hour delays for passengers, underlining the scale of the challenge faced.
The economic ramifications of these delays are notable, with Logistics UK estimating costs of border delays at £1.30 per minute. In situations where vehicles are delayed extensively, the resultant charges—potentially reaching £1,100 per truck—are likely to be passed down the supply chain, culminating in increased prices for consumers. This forecast has prompted calls for government intervention to mitigate the impending disruptions.
Nichola Mallon, the head of trade for Logistics UK, conveyed to The Telegraph that if implemented as planned, the EES could bring about ‘huge upheaval in the supply chain.’ She stressed the necessity for government leadership in raising public awareness and managing expectations regarding the potential impact of the new system.
The planned EU border checks are poised to challenge the UK supply chain significantly, necessitating prompt and strategic response measures.
