The problems arising from the complex border procedures between the United Kingdom and the European Union caused by Brexit are increasing in recent times. So Transport & Logistiek Nederland (TLN) says it is important to address these issues as quickly as possible because cargo volume is still relatively low and there is still not much traffic at the border.
Due to additional customs procedures, delays in transporting goods are increasing. Large German logistics company DB Schenker is now temporarily halting deliveries to the UK in order to better simplify border procedures. According to DB Schenker, many companies filled in incomplete or incorrectly customs documents.
A TLN spokesperson said: “So we must do everything we can to resolve these growing pains now, before they get busier and the problems will only get worse.” The trade association itself does not yet see extremely long waits at the border, but it is already noting more bureaucratic procedures being added. According to TLN, British companies in particular appear to be less prepared for the new customs measures as they began their preparations for Brexit at a later date.
Anxiety
Evofenedex, which represents the commercial and logistical interests of 15,000 companies in the Netherlands, sees growing problems with customs procedures. The organization speaks of “teething problems due to discomfort”, especially from the British side. Evofenedex also believes that matters should be dealt with now as soon as possible, before the crowds increase at the UK border. “We are working hard to inform our supporters as much as possible and to ensure that the final touches are put in place,” a spokesperson said.
The Rotterdam Port Authority said it had been saying for years that preparations should be made for additional border measures due to Britain’s exit from the European Union. The Port Authority hopes that these are temporary “habituation problems” that will be resolved over time. According to the Port of Rotterdam, there are reports that British exporters to the European Union in particular do not have regular customs papers.
