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Logistics UK calls for better Ulster information

[ January 11, 2021   //   ]

Logistics UK has called on the government steps up communication with industry to ensure that trucks between Great Britain and Northern Ireland have the correct paperwork and declarations. It follows reports of disruption to trade on the route.

Director of policy, Elizabeth de Jong, said: “Issues which have occurred at the GB/NI border are due, in part, to businesses not having a full understanding of the new border requirements for moving goods to and from Northern Ireland. With only five days from the announcement of a new trade deal with the EU to the end of the transition period, some confusion is inevitable, but it is now vital that government steps up communication with industry to ensure that loads can be dispatched with the correct paperwork and declarations. 

“Logistics is adaptable and resilient and wants to do the best for its customers. However, the logistics sector cannot prepare alone: traders, transport companies, government agencies – both here and in the EU – all need to make sure that their processes and understanding is sufficient.  Freight from GB to NI has seen particular challenges: the GVMS system used for all GB-NI freight was only fully launched on the 23 December, while guidance on GB to NI freight providing a grace period for parcels and post was published on the 31st December.”

Logistics UK has asked the government for urgent clarification and clearer communication of the administrative requirements, akin to the Border Operating Model for GB-EU trade, along with simplifications and derogations and mitigations. It has also called on government to immediately restart the NI Protocol working groups, which do not yet appear to be functioning. 

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