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UK ready for TIR surge, says IRU

[ December 18, 2020   //   ]

The UK government has confirmed it is ready for increased TIR transits between the UK and the EU when the Brexit transition period ends, reports the International Road Transport Union.

Responding to questions from EU road haulage companies at an IRU dialogue this week, senior figures from the Department for Transport and HMRC confirmed that trained border staff are ready for TIR transits to, from and via the UK at all major ports from 1 January. 

But with a post Brexit trade deal still being negotiated, IRU and operators on both sides of the Channel are alarmed at the uncertainty companies continue to face in planning shipments, especially for perishable food, arranging customs formalities and transit documentation, and making contingencies for logistical issues such as long truck queues, IRI adds.

However, the UK government’s detailed Hauliers Handbook is now available in 14 languages, and the new Check an HGV system is also now online, with information for drivers on paperwork required to leave the UK, including how to register for a Kent Access Permit for heavy goods vehicles leaving via the port of Dover or Eurotunnel.

IRU’s hotline for accredited TIR hauliers will remain open throughout the holidays and the Brexit transition period. IRU will also continue to provide traffic and border updates to its members.

The UK has used the TIR system for over 70 years, albeit with smaller volumes during its membership of the EU single market from 1992. 

The high physical and financial security of the TIR system provides unique advantages to hauliers, shippers and customs between the EU and the UK, and from the UK via the EU to non-EU countries such as Belarus, Russia, Turkey and Ukraine.

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