Businesses that regularly export to the EU for next day delivery are finding it now takes three or four days, or sometimes longer. Major hold-ups at EU borders are common, with lorries stuck for six or seven hours at a time while customs forms are examined.
The terms of a new post-Brexit trade deal mean lots more red tape for many UK businesses which have been trading goods with the EU seamlessly for years.
Previously most United Kingdom (UK) shipments only needed a delivery note, made up of just one or two forms and invoices. Now that the UK is outside the EU customs union and single market, exporters face a very different set of requirements.
The BBC has highlighted recently a case of an English fishing merchant which must complete 71 pages of documentation in order to export just one lorry of fish. The article outlines in detail the forms required, costs and additional time required to complete the extra documentation.
One example of the rule changes post Brexit is that all British exporters to the EU now need an ID number called an EORI number.
Many UK businesses are now faced with a choice of how best to cope with this additional administrative burden. A small mistake, or an omission, on one form can also mean a consignment is held.
One solution is to hire a customs agent such as Tudor International Freight who can complete the complex customs documentation on your behalf. Please feel free to contact us at Tudor International Freight, on 0333 1234 747 or email sales@tudorfreight.com.
About Us - Tudor International Freight
Established in Horsforth, Leeds, back in 1991, we are a logistics company who are experts in road, air and sea freight. We transport goods to most major cities, towns and suburbs across all 6 continents. We go over and above to ensure that our client’s products, goods and cargo are transported around the world safely and successfully. We are a family business, who are still based in Horsforth, Leeds, West Yorkshire.