Reported delays to the EU’s Entry/Exit Scheme (EES) will affect the UK supply chain, Logistics UK has warned.
The EES may be delayed past November 2024, with the industry body saying the situation was now 'critical'.
Nichola Mallon, Head of Trade at the business group, said: "Government needs to accelerate its diplomatic engagement with the European Commission to clarify when the system will be implemented."
The Commission’s official position is still that it will be starting in the second half of 2024, but no proper testing of the system at the Port of Dover has yet taken place.
The new border checks required as part of EES will mean all non-EU nationals entering the EU, including those travelling from GB, will have to submit biometric information at the border.
The Short Straits is a critical GB EU supply chain route, any congestion, disruption and delay at this border as passengers are processed will likely have a negative impact on GB exports to the EU with knock on implications for import trade.
Mr Mallon continued: "With the worst-case scenarios estimating delays of up to 14 hours for passengers, this would add a cost of £1,100 per truck - a cost which, given the tight profit margins logistics businesses already operate under, would have to be passed on to their customers and the end consumer.
“The UK’s supply chain is reliant on the export and import of goods when they are needed - delays could have a significant impact on the availability of goods if an app-based solution is not implemented.
"The availability of this app, and assurances that the IT system underpinning EES is tried, tested and robust, have to be key elements in determining SEU Member state readiness and the final go live date to ensure the continued flow of trade.”