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BIFA asks again: Are you ready for Brexit?

[ August 26, 2020   //   ]

The British International Freight Association (BIFA) is again surveying its members on how well they are prepared for Brexit ahead of the end of the transition period on 31 December.

An previous survey in May found that most respondents wanted an extension to the transition period if no trade deal is agreed by then, requiring EU/UK trade to be carried out under WTO rules.

Director general Robert Keen said: “BIFA saw that as a clear message to government that BIFA members and the clients that they serve had great reservations over whether they would have the capacity to handle the major changes to the UK’s trading relationship at the start of 2021, such as new customs documentation and procedures.
He continued: “The latest survey reconsiders that issue and also asks whether BIFA members need greater clarity on government plans for the UK’s borders; and whether the recent publication of both the Border Operating Model and Moving Goods Under the Northern Ireland Protocol have assisted members’ understanding of procedures regarding imports and exports between the EU and UK, and GB and Northern Ireland, respectively.”
Other questions cover such issuing as staffing; whether more information on future systems and procedures is required by the trade association’s members, as well as the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on members’ preparedness.
Keen concludes: “Obviously, the biggest possible response to this survey will increase its credibility with government and we are urging our members to take the time to complete the survey, which must be done before 9 September.”

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