The introduction of the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) could severely disrupt the UK’s Christmas food supply chain, warn logistics leaders.
- The EES mandates fingerprint and facial recognition checks for non-EU passengers, potentially causing severe tailbacks at UK borders.
- A significant increase in processing time at Dover may lead to extensive queues, impacting the smooth flow of goods.
- Logistics UK estimates that border delays could incur substantial costs, which will ultimately affect consumers.
- The UK Government has set aside funding for preparations, but the effectiveness of these measures remains uncertain.
The EU’s forthcoming Entry/Exit System (EES), scheduled to launch on November 10, requires fingerprint and facial recognition checks for all non-EU passengers at Dover. Logistics UK has raised concerns that these new requirements could lead to significant tailbacks, jeopardizing the smooth movement of goods. The organization advocates for a nationwide awareness campaign to ease potential border chaos.
Research indicates the EES will considerably increase processing times. For instance, it is projected that processing a car with four passengers could extend from under a minute to almost seven minutes. This additional time could potentially add about 10 miles to queue lengths. Ashford Council highlighted that, under worst-case scenarios, travelers might face delays up to 14 hours. Such disruptions are particularly troubling during the crucial ‘food shoulder’ period when the UK heavily relies on imported goods.
The implementation of the EES involves passengers at Dover and Eurotunnel using tablets to scan their fingerprints and photos, with similar procedures at Eurostar terminals. Although most truck drivers are EU nationals and exempt from these checks, Logistics UK warns that delays affecting car traffic could lead to extensive queues for lorries, disrupting UK exports like seafood and perishables.
Nichola Mallon, Head of Trade at Logistics UK, urges the UK Government to spearhead a comprehensive public awareness campaign to manage expectations and offer clear guidance. Mallon also suggests contingency plans should be in place, such as limiting biometric checks in cases of system outages.
Every minute of border delay is estimated to cost Transport £1.30 per truck, with potential 14-hour delays adding approximately £1,100 per vehicle—expenses likely to be transferred to consumers. An average delay of 90 minutes per journey could culminate in a £400 million annual cost to the UK’s economy.
In August, the UK Government allocated £10.5 million to support EES preparations, with funds distributed among Dover, Eurostar, and Eurotunnel. However, the funding predominantly addresses ongoing infrastructure developments, such as increased border kiosks and processing facilities. While a publicity campaign is in the works, its specifics are yet unclear. Previous efforts, like those during Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic, involved motorway signage and service area leafleting.
Eurostar has confirmed preparations for an independent campaign to assist passengers with the new EES procedures. As the festive season approaches, attention turns to the Government and logistics companies to prevent a potential Christmas supply chain crisis.
Effective management and timely awareness by authorities are crucial to averting a supply chain disruption during the festive period.
