Due to additional customs procedures, delays in transporting goods are increasing. So Transport en Logistiek Nederland (TLN) says it is important to deal with these issues as quickly as possible, because cargo volume is still relatively low and there is not much traffic at the border.
The problems arising from the complex border procedures between the United Kingdom and the European Union caused by Brexit are increasing in recent times. Large German logistics company DB Schenker is now temporarily halting deliveries to the UK in order to better simplify border procedures. DB Schenker says that many companies have incomplete or incorrectly filled out customs documents.
A TLN spokesperson said: “We must therefore do our best to resolve these growing pains before they get busier and the problems get worse.”
According to the Trade Union, 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. For example, since January 1, many shipments of Scottish fish have been rejected at the border with the European Union.
The UK government is considering compensation for the delay
According to Britain’s Environment and Food Secretary, George Ostis, there are already teething problems. On Thursday, Eustis said his employees have now discussed the matter with their counterparts in the Netherlands, France and Ireland.
A spokesman for Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the government is considering compensating affected companies for damage caused by delays at the border.
“Startup problems due to discomfort”
Evofenedex, which represents the commercial and logistical interests of 15,000 companies in the Netherlands, says there are growing problems with customs procedures. The organization talks about “start-up problems due to lack of familiarity”, especially from the British side.
Evofenedex also believes that matters should be dealt with now as quickly 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.
