Logistics UK raises concerns over the EU’s forthcoming Entry/Exit System (EES), which could disrupt Christmas food deliveries. Key points include:
- New EES rules could extend processing times and create severe tailbacks at Dover.
- The system mandates fingerprint and facial recognition checks for all non-EU passengers.
- Research suggests delays could add significant costs and queue lengths.
- Potential 14-hour delays could heavily impact lorry traffic and UK exports.
The trade group Logistics UK has raised alarms concerning the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES), scheduled to commence on 10 November. The system will require fingerprint and facial recognition checks for all non-EU passengers at Dover, potentially creating severe tailbacks and disrupting the flow of goods.
Logistics UK has called for a national awareness campaign to manage the risks associated with these new regulations. Research indicates that the EES could extend the processing time for a car with four passengers from under a minute to as much as seven minutes. According to a study by Imperial College London, each additional minute could add approximately 10 miles to the length of queues.
Worst-case scenarios suggest delays of up to 14 hours for travellers, a situation highlighted by Ashford Council in evidence to Parliament earlier this year. Representing road, rail, and marine transport firms, Logistics UK emphasises that the new measures could severely disrupt lorry traffic during the critical ‘food shoulder’ period, when Britain becomes increasingly reliant on imported goods.
The upcoming changes at Dover would require drivers and passengers to use tablets to scan their own fingerprints and photographs. Similar procedures will be implemented at Eurotunnel in Folkestone and Eurostar terminals. In the previous year, Dover and Eurotunnel handled over half of the UK’s trade with continental Europe, predominantly consisting of imports such as meat, fruit, vegetables, dairy products, honey, and eggs.
Although most truck drivers are EU nationals and exempt from the new checks, Logistics UK warns that delays in car traffic will inevitably cause extensive lorry queues. This is expected to primarily affect UK exports like seafood and other perishables. Nichola Mallon, Head of Trade at Logistics UK, urged the UK Government to lead a comprehensive public awareness campaign, manage expectations, and provide clear guidance.
Mallon also called for contingency plans, such as limiting biometric checks, in the event of system failures. Logistics UK estimates that border delays could cost £1.30 per minute per truck, with potential 14-hour delays adding an extra £1,100 per vehicle—expenses that will ultimately be transferred to consumers. An average delay of 90 minutes per journey could cost the UK economy an estimated £400 million annually.
In August, the Government allocated £10.5 million to support preparations for the EES, with funds distributed among Dover, Eurostar, and Eurotunnel. However, this funding primarily addresses ongoing infrastructure improvements, such as expanded border kiosks and processing facilities, rather than direct solutions to mitigate EES-related delays. While preparations for a publicity campaign are underway, specific details remain scarce.
Previous initiatives, including those before Brexit and during the Covid pandemic, involved motorway signage and leafleting at service areas, but Mallon stresses that a broader approach is necessary, leveraging both mainstream and social media channels. Eurostar has also confirmed plans for its own campaign to assist passengers in navigating the new EES procedures. With the festive season approaching, the focus is on the Government and logistics firms to prevent a Christmas supply chain crisis.
The impending EU border controls could pose significant risks to the UK’s Christmas food supply unless swift and comprehensive measures are adopted.
