Hauliers transporting goods from the EU to the UK must prepare for new post-Brexit customs regulations to avoid delays, warns Colin Robb, head of operations and sales at Derry Bros. From 31 October 2024, Safety and Security Declarations (SSDs) will be mandatory for all EU imports, in addition to the new European Entry and Exit System (EES) for non-EU nationals.
Robb advises operators to collaborate with customers and ensure their processes and technology systems are ready to handle the new requirements. These include providing detailed information, such as importer/exporter details, vehicle identification, and shipment data.
Failure to comply with these new requirements will result in penalties and delays at the border. Logistics UK has expressed concerns that the combined introduction of SSDs and EES could lead to 14-hour delays at borders, potentially disrupting the UK’s supply chain.
Kevin Green, Logistics UK’s policy director, warned that without swift technological solutions, these regulations could severely impact the UK’s ability to trade with the EU. He urged the government to work closely with the logistics industry and French authorities to minimize delays and protect UK-EU trade relations.
Businesses are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the changes and consult customs experts if needed to ensure compliance.
