Elizabeth de Jong

As the economy starts to recover after the COVID-19 pandemic, Logistics UK is urging organisations to prepare for the UK's departure from the EU at the end of the year.

"Around 200,000 UK businesses currently trade with Europe, and it is imperative that they protect their supply chains as the UK completes its departure from the EU," says Elizabeth de Jong, director of policy at Logistics UK. "While the government continues its negotiations with the EU with the aim of achieving a Free Trade Agreement, there is still much that UK traders can do now to ensure that the goods they depend upon continue to flow across our borders.

"With less than 150 days left to the UK's EU departure, the time to take action is now. Business must be ready to switch to new systems and new methods of trading from 1 January 2021 if their businesses are to be protected. There is still much for government to deliver, but a timely preparation by business will help to smooth the future passage of goods and services with our largest trading partner from the start of the New Year."

As she explains, the preparations which business can make are not reliant upon a trade deal being reached - organisations will need to take many of the same steps to maintain the supply chain whatever the political outcome in Brussels and London.

"Logistics UK has advised its members to start preparing now. For example, all importers and export traders will need to ensure they have import and export paperwork and systems ready, whatever the outcome of the political negotiations. These include applying for a GB Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number which is needed before any goods can be moved, and knowing the Commodity Code and customs value of the goods, which are all needed to make a customs declaration and calculate duties.

"In addition, hauliers will need to understand and be able to use at least eight new IT systems to make Roll-On Roll-Off trade move efficiently - there are four separate systems required by the UK government and one for each of Ireland, France, Belgium and the Netherlands. All will take time to install and learn and should not be left to the last minute."

Logistics UK (formerly FTA) is running free Brexit webinars for members.