UK industry fears disruption due to new border controls
British businesses are warning of a new wave of post-Brexit trade disruption because EU exporters are not ready for UK customs changes which start this month, Reuters reports
Britain left the EU’s single market in January 2021, but it has repeatedly delayed imposing restrictions on imports from the EU.
“By contrast, the EU immediately enforced its rules, leading to port delays in 2021 and prompting some British exporters - such as cheese-makers and high-end beef farmers – to give up on selling to the bloc, at least initially,” the publication reads.
Make UK, which represents manufacturers, said in December that 90 percent of firms it surveyed still faced problems doing business with the EU, with customs and cargo clearance being the biggest obstacle.
Britain has delayed introducing border controls on food and fresh goods five times since Brexit due to concerns about port disruptions and the cost-of-living crisis. However, the new Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) comes into force on January 31st and will be implemented in three stages.
