BREXIT CHAOS (PART 2)
60,000 firms not ready for checks
AN estimated 60,000 UK firms were not ready for Brexit customs checks that kicked in yesterday.
Business groups and unions warned lorries could be delayed or refused entry at ferry ports as companies are unprepared to handle the extra red tape.
Firms importing from the EU must now complete time consuming customs controls for products before they can enter the UK – and have to prove they qualify for tariff-free entry.
The EU has enforced checks on exports from Britain for 12 months but the Government delayed checks on goods coming here to help ease pressure on businesses grappling with supply chain shortages.
The UK’S second great threat of Brexit customs chaos comes after lorries were pictured in gridlock at Dover in December 2020 due to the EU’S checks.
Martin Mctague of the Federation of Small Businesses said: “This is likely to cause significant disruption.
“A third of small business importers were unaware of the changes, while among those who did know only one in four was prepared. For some, the extra admin and costs will mean it’s no longer feasible to import.”
TUC chief Frances O’grady added: “We could face further supply chain chaos. The Government must invest in infrastructure and jobs to prevent disruption.”
Thousands of extra Border Force staff have been hired to handle lorry queues. The Food and Drink
Federation says border delays are “inevitable”. In some cases, this could risk blocking deliveries from EU suppliers altogether, at least temporarily, while businesses restructure their supply chains.
The CBI urged ministers to “prioritise flow over compliance in the short term”. The Government said readiness for the controls was “strong” and extra support is in the pipeline.