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Brexit: Well begun is half done

In 2016, the United Kingdom (Great Britain and Northern Ireland) opted for Brexit. They will leave the European Union. So there are somethings about to change. What consequence does this have for the logistics sector? And can we prepare for this?

The United Kingdom is one of the most important trading partners in the Netherlands. In 2017, trade with the UK provided 22.7 billion euros. In addition, it generated 218.000 full-time jobs and in 2017 European trucks drove 3.5 million times to and from the United Kingdom.

On 29 March, the United Kingdom will leave the European Union. The relationship with the United Kingdom is changing. When there is a ‘no deal’ on March 29, there will be no agreement. As a result, the World Trade Organization, the so-called WTO rules of play apply. The openness of trade and economy is then strongly limited. That means import rates and border controls, which will lead to delays. Delays that are disastrous for the floriculture sector, among others. Flowers have a shelf life and a limited time in the vase. In the ornamental plant sector, the UK is the second export country, no wonder that Brexit is occupying us.

Preparing is half the work

The Transport and Logistics sector is the most vulnerable to Brexit because they are faced with additional administration. At the moment 2 to 3 documents are needed to export to the United Kingdom, with Brexit, this can go up to 7 documents. There are some things that you can arrange as an entrepreneur when it comes to trading with the United Kingdom.

  • Owning an EORI number, an identification number to do business with Customs.
  • Submit a declaration in the Customs systems. Ensure that you have the necessary software.
  • Request ‘Registration of electronic message traffic’ if they do not file a declaration themselves.

Conversations around Brexit are still underway. Therefore there is no final agreement. Make sure you are well prepared. Ask yourself, ‘What will be the consequences for my company?’ And ‘How do I make my company Brexitproof?’ Preparing is half the work.