Hauliers could face delays at Eurotunnel Folkestone when the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) launches next month, if there are insufficient levels of French border staff at the checkpoints, RHA said this week.
The new automated IT system launches on 12 October and will be gradually rolled out, replacing the manual stamping of passports for non-EU visitors.
Freight drivers with UK passports will be filtered into a dedicated UK lane, where vehicles will pass through UK passport control and on to the French booths where EES biometrics will be dealt with by their officials before their passports are scanned.
Heather Wallace, RHA international group manager, joined other Kent EES Planning Group members at Eurotunnel Folkestone Terminal last week as the site was being prepared for the new arrangements.
She told MT that whilst the EES will definitely launch on 12 October, and traffic will flow, there could be delays, depending on how many French border officials are available. French border guard staffing levels are not controlled by Eurotunnel.
RHA commented: “It’s anticipated both coach and freight will go through the EES process from the 12 October ‘go live’ date, but this may be subject to French border officials’ staffing availability.”
Tourist traffic is due to be phased in from 1 November, but this has to be confirmed.
European countries using EES will phase this new system in over six months, meaning different ports may have varying requirements until April 2026.
RHA said this phased approach should allow for a gradual implementation that minimises disruption, particularly at peak periods.
British travellers need to register on their first visit to a participating country after EES is introduced. This registration is valid for a rolling three-year period or until the passport expires.
RHA said: “We continue to work with our fellow stakeholders to ensure the needs of operators are fully appreciated and will update in due course.”
