Brexit rules spark supply and price concerns

Stock shortages and inflated prices for consumers will be the result of delays getting goods into the country since the start of the year, according to a new report.

The warning follows a survey of 350 supply chain managers which found that almost two out of three have experienced delays of at least two to three days getting goods into the country.

The main reason is the time taken for customs officials to work through new post-Brexit paperwork, said the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS).

It says the situation is only slightly better for exports – with 44% experiencing delays of at least two to three days getting goods into the EU.

John Glen, of the CIPS, said: "We are well into the second month of the new arrangements and the hope that delays at the border would reduce as freight volumes returned to normal and customs systems became used to the new processes has not come to pass.

"What is even more concerning is that the delays are continuing to get longer, putting more and more pressure on the UK's supply chains.”

He added: “The knock-on impact of these delays will trickle far down the supply chain and ultimately result in stock shortages and inflated prices for consumers."

A Government spokesman said: "We are introducing new import controls in three stages up until July 1, 2021, to ensure traders and hauliers have sufficient time to adjust to new processes. This decision keeps goods flowing into the UK and prevents disruption to supply chains.”