FTAI is urging the government to allow the logistics industry to trial and test new systems for international trade.

In response to the publication of the government’s Brexit Readiness Action Plan,  Aidan Flynn, General Manager of FTA Ireland (FTAI) commented: “With just 16 weeks until the end of the Brexit transition period, FTAI is urging the government to allow the logistics industry to trial and test the new systems for international trade urgently. The sooner this happens, the more time industry will have to assess the effectiveness of the new customs and SPS systems and determine what processes will need tweaking with the state enforcement regime to facilitate free flowing trade activity. We also need to see details of the traffic management plan around Dublin port and emergency parking facilities published as soon as possible and shared with industry for consideration.

“Despite these concerns, FTAI does welcome the publication of the government’s Brexit Readiness Action Plan; it provides businesses with essential guidance and advice on the new trading procedures post-Brexit transition period, as well as clarifying pressing issues such as the movement of pets and the transfer of data. The COVID-19 pandemic has overshadowed Brexit, but the publication of this action plan will help to reinvigorate businesses working within supply chains and refocus efforts on the end of the transition period and the new trading environment from 1 January 2021.”

Mr Flynn continues: “Continued government engagement with stakeholders and fostering a robust collaborative approach is critical to ensure that the logistics industry is as prepared as possible. The shock to trade flows that Brexit will cause as a consequence of the new notification requirements will reshape the supply chain and where we once delivered ‘just-in-time’ logistics, there will be delays to deliveries. There will be new requirements for customs import and export declarations and safety and security declarations. The landbridge between Ireland across the GB mainland, which is used as an arterial route for Irish Hauliers to access continental Europe, is under threat due to increased administration requirements; transit declarations will need to be submitted electronically by traders in advance and the required financial guarantees will also have to be in place.

“Abiding by international treaties and adhering to the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland is sacrosanct and must be respected by all parties irrespective of the outcome of the EU-UK Brexit negotiations.”

FTAI

About the Author: John Loughran