A new EU border control scheme could delay Christmas food deliveries, raising concerns among industry leaders.
- Logistics UK highlights potential disruptions due to mandatory biometric checks at borders.
- Imperial College research indicates increased processing times could lengthen queues significantly.
- Cost implications of delays could lead to increased prices for consumers.
- Calls for a public awareness campaign to manage expectations and mitigate impact.
A leading coalition, Logistics UK, has voiced apprehension regarding the EU’s new fingerprint and facial recognition checks aimed at enhancing border security. This new scheme could potentially impede the timely delivery of fresh food items during the crucial Christmas period.
The proposed changes, scheduled for implementation on 10 November, require all non-EU travellers passing through Dover to undergo biometric checks. Calculations suggest that processing times could multiply, with researchers from Imperial College London warning of the possibility of queues extending by 10 miles for every additional minute spent at the border. This scenario presents a formidable challenge to maintaining consistent supply chains.
Financial implications are also significant. The trade group estimates that delays could incur costs of £1.30 per minute, with potential 14-hour delays costing up to £1,100 per truck. Such costs are anticipated to be transferred to the end consumer, raising concerns over the affordability of essential goods during the festive season.
Trucking traffic, critical during winter when the UK relies heavily on imported goods, faces a genuine threat of disruption. Most truckers are EU nationals and hence not subject to the checks; however, the knock-on effect from delays to vehicle traffic is unavoidable. Delays could result in extended queues, particularly affecting the M2.
Nichola Mallon, representing Logistics UK, expressed concern, stating that if the EES is implemented as planned, the supply chain might experience substantial turmoil. She called for government-led initiatives to enhance public awareness, manage consumer expectations, and provide guidance to ameliorate the transition.
The new EU border regulations present potential logistical challenges that require urgent attention to avoid significant disturbances in food supply during the holiday season.
