CILT publishes Brexit briefing paper
The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) has produced a new briefing paper which looks at the potential impact that Brexit proposals.
In a statement issued yesterday (14 March), the CILT said that the paper explores:
- The potential at-the-border frictions and barriers to UK-EU27 trade that may arise outside the customs union
- The arrangements currently in place at the EU’s external borders
- The extent to which trade frictions can be mitigated through technology, information-sharing etc.
- The proposals made by the UK Government in its “Future Partnership Paper” on customs and its “Position Paper” on Northern Ireland and Ireland, and their consistency with other stated negotiating objectives
CILT said that it hoped the briefing paper – together with the association’s other ongoing efforts – could help to “ensure a frictionless border regardless of the outcome of ongoing negotiations”.
The CILT paper said that one of the key issues that could cause friction is the “potential need for inspections by a variety of agencies at the border e.g. port health, trading standards, DEFRA etc.”
According to the CILT paper: “These inspections are of particular concern for shipments of food, agricultural and pharmaceutical products. Shelf life is short, refrigeration etc. is often required and any delay is likely to result in spoiled cargoes.
“CILT has applauded the creation of the HMRC Cross Border Co-Ordination team and continues to assist them wherever possible in coming up with a combined and coordinated strategy to minimise the impact of activities on post-BREXIT cross border movements.
“It is therefore vital that the work being set up by the Cross Border Coordination team continues on getting agreement for greater data sharing and greater connectivity that exists today.
“Whilst large scale technological solutions may be ideal, given the timeframe CILT believes a solution using existing technology and simple electronic communication such as email could be made to work.”
Click here to see the full CILT briefing paper.
