Be ready for latest post-Brexit border controls or face delays, customs expert warns international hauliers

From 31 October 2024, Safety and Security Declarations (SSDs) will be required for all EU imports, so operators need to work closely with customers to ensure the processes are in place for the updated requirements, Robb said this week.

The requirement for SSDs lands as another post Brexit border control - the new European Entry and Exit System (EES) - also comes into force, requiring border checks for all non-EU nationals entering the EU, including those travelling from Britain, which Logistics UK is warning could create 14-hour border delays.

The new Safety and Security Declarations will be used by GB border authorities to analyse the potential risk caused to their territory by goods crossing their border. It is not included in hauliers’ other duty and tax obligations.

Hauliers will need to submit a long list of details to ensure they can board ferries and LeShuttle (Eurotunnel) Freight trains.

These include a valid EORI number, importer and exporter company details, a reference number, the name of the hauliers for accompanied vehicles and the name of the ferry operator for unaccompanied trailers.

In addition hauliers must provide details on the total number of packages and weight, the border entry point, the expected time of arrival, vehicle ID, a trailer seal, if applicable, a description of the goods and the type of packages, as well as any marks or reference numbers. 

GB border control will be strictly enforcing these requirements and any haulier not providing the correct declaration will not be able to travel and could also face penalties and the goods being rejected at the border.

Derry Bros, which offers managed booking, customs and consultancy services and specialises in helping businesses navigate the challenges facing cross-border trade and transport is warning haukiers to prepare for the new regulations.

Colin Robb, Derry Bros head of operations and sale, said: “These changes represent a significant shift in the import process, which is aimed at boosting the UK’s security while ensuring efficient trade flows.

“While the new rules add some complexity to importing from the EU, they also support a safer and more streamlined trading environment. By taking the necessary steps now, importers and their supply chain partners can mitigate potential risk and continue to operate smoothly.

“To avoid any issues, road transport operators need to familiarise themselves with the declaration process and ensure technology systems are set up to handle the sharing of required information with customers. If they have any concerns they should liaise with their internal customs team or engage with a third-party customs agent to gain valuable guidance on how best to streamline processes and ensure compliance,” Robb added.

The requirement for Safety and Security Declarations is being introduced at the same time as another post Brexit border control kicks in - the new European Entry and Exit System (EES), which requires border checks for all non-EU nationals entering the EU, including those travelling from Britain.

Logistics UK is warning the double whammy effect of the introduction of the Safety and Security Declarations and the new European Entry and Exit System (EES), which requires border checks for all non-EU nationals entering the EU, could create major delays to overseas deliveries.

Kevin Green, Logistics UK policy director, said: “Adding border checks on imports to the delays caused by EES could have a disastrous impact on the UK’s supply chain, which was previously about supplying goods as and when they are needed – or just in time.

“In recent years, we have already seen the impact of delays at the Short Straits caused by border closures, customs strikes and even bad weather. Delays could become a regular occurrence and have even more of an impact on the UK’s supply chain if an app-based solution is not implemented swiftly to take some pressure away from the border along this critical GB EU supply chain route.

“Our estimates show that about 46,000 companies regularly trade in goods where at least 25% of the commodities they deal with pass through the Short Straits, and these businesses are spread throughout GB. The impact of delays at the border will be felt nationwide and could have a significant impact on the UK’s ability to do business with its closest trading partner in the longer term.

He added: “We are urging the government to accelerate its diplomatic engagement with French counterparts and the European Commission, and to work closely with the logistics industry and key local partners, to mitigate the impact of EES and streamline border processes before significant damage is caused to the UK’s trading relationships with Europe.”