Parcel courier pauses services to Europe

A parcel courier has paused some delivery services into Europe – including Ireland – because of pressure caused by new post-Brexit red tape.

D PD became the latest company to warn that Boris Johnson’s divorce settlement with Brussels had led to more complex processes at the border.

Seafood exporters said they have been hit by a “perfect storm” of bureaucracy, IT problems and confusion following Brexit.

Marks & Spencer said the new rules are set to “significantly impact” its overseas ventures in Ireland, the Czech Republic and France.

And hauliers described being “overwhelmed” by red tape due to new checks on deliveries to Northern Ireland.

DPD said that up to 20% of parcels had incorrect or incomplete data, meaning they had to be returned and announced a pause to its road service into Europe and Ireland until Wednesday.

The company said: “The EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement resulted in more complex processes, and additional customs data requirements for parcels destined for Europe.

“T his, along with delays and congestion at UK ports for channel crossings, has placed extra pressure on our turnaround and transit times.”

Donna Fordyce, chief executive at Seafood Scotland, said exporters faced “new bureaucratic non-tariff barriers” with no one body able to fix the situation.

Haulier industry body Logistics UK said deliveries were being delayed as lorries arrived in Belfast with incomplete paperwork.

A government spokesman said: “We were always clear there would be some disruption at the end of the transition period.”