Christmas food deliveries face potential disruptions due to new EU border checks.
- The Entry/Exit System mandates facial and fingerprint recognition for non-EU passengers at Dover.
- Logistics UK warns of potential congestion affecting speedy delivery of goods.
- Significant delays at borders could result in extra costs passed to consumers.
- Government urged to initiate awareness to manage public expectations.
The festive season, typically characterized by a heightened demand for various goods, might witness significant disruptions this year following the introduction of the new Entry/Exit System (EES) by the EU. This system mandates all non-EU passengers at Dover undergo facial recognition and fingerprint checks, potentially affecting the smooth flow of Christmas food deliveries into the UK.
Logistics UK, a prominent trade group, has raised concerns regarding the potential congestion at the borders, asserting that this could considerably delay the delivery of essential goods. They underscore that last year, Dover and the Eurotunnel were responsible for handling a substantial 54% of the UK’s trade with continental Europe. This trade primarily includes crucial items such as meat, vegetables, fruit, dairy, honey, and eggs, all of which are largely imported during the winter months.
Data from Imperial College London suggests that for every additional minute added to the processing time for each car, queues could extend by approximately 10 miles. Such delays could, under worst-case scenarios, result in queues lasting up to 14 hours for passengers, as evidenced in parliamentary discussions led by Ashford council earlier this year.
The financial implications of these delays are also noteworthy. Logistics UK estimates that the cost associated with border delays can be as high as £1.30 per minute, with a prolonged duration of 14 hours potentially incurring an extra cost of about £1,100 per truck. It is anticipated that these costs would eventually trickle down to consumers, making everyday goods more expensive.
Nichola Mallon, the head of trade at Logistics UK, has vocalized the need for immediate governmental intervention. She stresses the urgency for a nationwide publicity campaign aimed at preparing the public and managing their expectations regarding potential supply chain disruptions. “If the EES is implemented as planned, I’m afraid we’re facing huge upheaval in the supply chain,” Mallon remarked, highlighting the critical nature of the situation.
The implementation of new EU border checks during the festive season demands urgent attention to mitigate potential disruptions.
