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EES delay may be respite for freight industry, says BIFA

[ July 30, 2024   //   ]

The recently announced delay to introduction of the EU’s Entry Exit System (EES) from October to 10 and possibly November will help avoid many of the potential pitfalls, said the British International Freight Association in a BIFAlink TV broadcast on 30 July. Update On EU Entry-Exit System (youtube.com)

BIFA compliance director Robert Windsor said the EU’s recently announced delay

To the introduction of the new biometric checks from October to 10 and possibly 17 November would more time in which to develop an ‘app’ for the new system,. This in turn would allow travellers to pre-register on the system rather than carry out the process at busy terminals like Dover or the Channel Tunnel.

There had been widespread concern in the freight industry that car and coach travellers trying to unravel the complexities of EES would lead to sever delays to freight vehicle caught up in the queues,

Meanwhile, in response to the announcement that the government is to legislate to enable French border officials to process passengers at Dover Western ahead of the introduction of EES, Logistics UK head of trade and devolved policy, Nichola Mallon, said: “The increase in the border zone area will help with the flow of traffic within the port, but with the system set to be rolled out without the availability of an app or web-based registration system, similar to online check in, queues and delays at peak periods are inevitable.

“It is now critical that the government does all it can to secure a phased approach to the planned implementation of EES this autumn, and that industry gets clarity on what mitigations will be put in place to reduce congestion and disruption. The industry also needs confirmation on the date when the registration app will be ready and rolled out.”

She added: “The logistics industry is still pressing government to share its data analysis and scenario modelling with key strategic partners as an urgent priority. This will enable partners on the ground and industry to coordinate planning and response efforts, and government must provide sufficient resources to flex up the response as needed so that the nation’s supply chains are protected.”

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