Experts were alarmed: Brexit controls could lead to trade problems

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In a letter to Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden, quoted in the Financial Times newspaper, Labor leader Nick Thomas-Symonds wrote that from January 31 there would be queues at ports, import delays and a rise in inflation, especially in food prices .

The government must ensure that businesses and consumers are prepared for changes and take urgent action to minimize disruption to supply chains.

After several postponements, Great Britain now also wants to introduce import controls on animal and plant products from the EU on January 31. Companies must then submit their customs declarations in advance and declare the export of agricultural and food products to Great Britain.

Minimize friction and disruption

Experts warn of additional bureaucratic efforts and delays. Great Britain left the EU at the end of January 2020. Since January 1, 2021, the country is no longer a member of the EU customs union and the internal market. This led to significant delays in trading, especially early on. On the EU side, imports from Great Britain have been controlled for three years.

It is crucial to minimize the friction and disruption caused by the measures, wrote Labor politician Thomas-Symonds. He called for negotiations on a sanitary and phytosanitary agreement with the EU to reduce trade barriers.

“Most advanced frontier in the world”

The British government defended the introduction of controls. They will create “the most advanced border in the world.” Thanks to modern technology, trading is simplified.

EU member Ireland also called on companies to prepare for changes. “The UK remains an important market for Irish exports, so a smooth transition to these new British requirements will be of great importance to us,” Foreign Secretary Michel Martin warned.

(SDA)

Source:Blick