Reports that the introduction of the European Entry and Exit System (EES) is to be delayed has been welcomed by business group Logistics UK.
The system, which will see passengers fingerprinted on entry to the EU, was due to be introduced from 10 November but reports indicate this date has now been pushed back.
“Reports that the introduction of EES is to be delayed will be welcomed by logistics businesses,” says Nichola Mallon, Head of Trade at Logistics UK.
“Our members have been warning for some time that if the system is rolled out on 10 November, without robust testing of IT systems, then costly disruption and delays at peak passenger periods are inevitable for hauliers and GB EU trade."
Analysis the group has undertaken show that even if delays were limited to 90 minutes for the 3.35 million HGVs that passed through the Short Straits in 2023, the cost to the economy would be £400 million per year.
Ms Mallon says: "This is a cost that the logistics industry cannot just absorb, not least because our members already operate on incredibly narrow margins and are facing rising operating costs that are putting pressure on their ability to keep trading.
"Businesses and consumers need goods to arrive as swiftly and seamlessly as possible and it is encouraging to hear that more time is to be made available to iron out issues and implement solutions to ensure that the supply chain can continue to move smoothly.
“While a new introduction date has yet to be confirmed by the EU, it is vital for our sector that the UK government maintains close conversation with its European counterparts."