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Logistics industry raises Ulster trade concerns

[ May 18, 2023   //   ]

Logistics UK raised concerns on the draft Border Target Operating Model when it met government members on 16 May.

The roundtable, hosted by Minister of State at the Cabinet Office, came after Logistics UK chief exective David Wells wrote to the Minister regarding the planned new controls on imports from the EU and Rest of the World, set to be introduced from October 2023.

Speaking after the meeting, which included other representatives from the logistics sector, Logistics UK’s head of trade and devolved policy, Nichola Mallon, commented: “Logistics UK and its members support the UK’s 2025 Border Strategy but remain concerned that there is still much to be done. During the meeting with the Minister, we highlighted the urgent need for government to provide greater detail to allow businesses to prepare for these new import control changes, given the very challenging tight timescales and the fact these will be implemented alongside a raft of changes to customs, border and trading processes – such as the Windsor Framework.

“We raised the specific challenges faced by groupage operators and in both the meeting, and Logistics UK’s formal feedback response to government, emphasised concerns about the potential inflationary impact of new processes and charging proposals at a time when consumers are already faced with exceptionally high food inflation.

“Government must provide transparency on the additional costs to business from these new processes, and ensure they are kept to a minimum.”

 Logistics UK also pressed the need for clear and meaningful engagement structures so the logistics industry can shape implementation of the new border model and to help government to identify operational difficulties and solutions swiftly.

And the Road Haulage Association said that many firms feel the ‘Green Lane’ is complicated and burdensome – and primarily designed for moving retail goods, and goods for small companies, both with end consumption in Northern Ireland.

The ‘Red Lane’ appears to be bureaucratic with all goods subject to full customs and border controls up front – including goods destined for Northern Ireland.

The RHA is calling for a haulier-focused forum to improve communication and share information.

The RHA, the Association of Pallet Networks and the British Association of Removers co-signed a letter to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Chris Heaton-Harris.

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