“A customs border and shortages of food, medicines and other essentials?”
“This is complete nonsense”

By Jon Woods FCILT, Director of two logistics companies, import/export specialist

In the event of a customs border being re-established as a result of Brexit it is claimed that this will lead to shortages of food, medicines and other essentials. This is complete nonsense.

These shortages will allegedly be created because of delays to freight caused by necessary checks by the UK Border Force. Yes, all goods entering and leaving the UK would become subject to customs controls, as they are at present. The problem is that those engaged in “Project Fear” have no clue as to how the border operates.

How it works

As the UK border exists on the EU side of the Channel it is reasonable to conclude that whilst the vehicles will check in uncleared, they can be loaded onto ferries and trains and the vast majority will have been cleared before disembarkation.

The EU border is on the English side and therefore the same arrangements would be able to operate for UK exports. Goods falling outside of these automatic procedures include excise goods (alcohol, tobacco etc), as well as those goods that require specific licensing (pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs, etc).

The arrangements are already in place

Arrangements already exist for these goods whether they come from inside or outside the EU and those arrangements will continue with or without Brexit.

Regulations currently in operation for goods arriving from outside the EU require advance manifesting procedures that allow for customs targeting, entries to be submitted ahead of arrival and documents to be pre lodged for checking.

Existing mechanisms for collection of taxes due on goods mean that companies can set up Simplified Import VAT Accounts (“SIVA”) and Duty Deferment Agreements.

Border examinations are normal

One fact that is undeniable is that a border will mean more entry submissions will need to be made and some goods will be subject to examination. That said, examinations already take place on goods coming to the UK from the EU as part of the necessary controls to stop illegal migration and disrupt the smuggling of narcotics and tobacco.

UK Border Force already has scanners and other sophisticated techniques for maintaining our borders and operate intelligence based enforcement. The UK Government has already begun recruiting and training more Border Officers. HMRC announced in November 2018 an investment in Customs Agents and Intermediaries to ensure that greater automation and productivity surrounding completing customs declarations.

Preparations under way and funding already awarded

Customs intermediaries and traders completing customs declarations have been awarded funding to upgrade software and hardware and to provide enhanced training in the submission of entries.

The government has engaged extensively with industry bodies and key providers of customs broker services – including freight forwarders, fast parcel operators and independent customs brokers – to better understand the challenges they face in supporting existing and new clients.

Based on this useful engagement, HM Treasury and HMRC announced a one-off investment of £8 million to support broker training. This includes £3m that HMRC is investing to increase training provision in this area.

These grants have been awarded and the increase in capacity is being established and should be complete well before 31 October 2019. This increase in capability and capacity means that UK borders will remain open for business.

So unless the EU27 decide to close their borders to punish the UK for leaving, disruption should be minimal.

- Jon Woods FCILT, logistics expert and PPC for the Brexit Party in the Colchester constituency