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Today the Lords EU Goods Sub Committee will be hearing evidence on the preparations of port and Channel Tunnel operators - very much the Brexit front line - for the end of the transition period.
If you miss it, updates will be below.
If you miss it, updates will be below.
Stellar lineup includes:
- Tim Morris, UK Major Ports Group
- Richard Ballantyne, British Ports Association
- John Keefe, Getlink
- Jean-Marc Puissesseau, Port of Calais
- Mark Dijk, Port of Rotterdam
- Tim Morris, UK Major Ports Group
- Richard Ballantyne, British Ports Association
- John Keefe, Getlink
- Jean-Marc Puissesseau, Port of Calais
- Mark Dijk, Port of Rotterdam
Just yesterday, the BBC reported chaos at Felixstowe Port as they prepared for the combined impact of Brexit and Christmas - so will be fascinating to get the inside track on their preparations. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-54908129
To what extent will IT infrastructure need to be updated? Progress so far?
RB: Yes, some ports will need to invest - as well as in physical infrastructure. Govt GVMS system is providing port operators an alt system to interact with HMRC
RB: Yes, some ports will need to invest - as well as in physical infrastructure. Govt GVMS system is providing port operators an alt system to interact with HMRC
John Keefe: All trade (via Eurotunnel) has so far been intra-EU, so no customs etc.
Inevitably we have had to develop systems, using GVMS as base.
Inevitably we have had to develop systems, using GVMS as base.
JK Cont.
2 systems:
- Capture system enabling us to take GMR and register it in GVMS for HMRC and Defra
- Communications system that delivers a message from GVMS to driver telling them where to go.
Have to do the same thing in other direction into the French SI Brexit system
2 systems:
- Capture system enabling us to take GMR and register it in GVMS for HMRC and Defra
- Communications system that delivers a message from GVMS to driver telling them where to go.
Have to do the same thing in other direction into the French SI Brexit system
JK: We feel confident that everything we are responsible for will be ready, but concerns over lack of testing and whether systems will be fully ready in time on govt side.
Tim Morris: Members will likely use a combination of systems, and it will differ on location, and even may differ within a port depending on operation.
This is not obviously ideal, but if that is what our customers want, that is what we will be doing.
This is not obviously ideal, but if that is what our customers want, that is what we will be doing.
Cont
TM: The word 'probably' is doing heavy lifting given uncertainty over readiness of GVMS and other systems (e.g. accountability process)
GVMS would allow more rapid, instantaneous movement
TM: The word 'probably' is doing heavy lifting given uncertainty over readiness of GVMS and other systems (e.g. accountability process)
GVMS would allow more rapid, instantaneous movement
RB on GVMS: To overcome difficulties with Ro-Ro operations, the advantage of GVMS is that it is provided by the govt and the port operator wouldn't have to invest in that.
JK: Already seeing increase in traffic, no-deal stockpiling from the past definitely a feature now. People choose routes according to what they're carrying - no alternative to ro-ro for JIT/perishable goods.
Q: Is IT infrastructure in Calais and Rotterdam ready? How well will it integrate with UK systems?
Mark Dijk (from Rotterdam): Preparing since 2017, launched system similar to UK one in 2019 - around 87% of terminals have been registered with system, aiming for 95% from 1 Jan
Mark Dijk (from Rotterdam): Preparing since 2017, launched system similar to UK one in 2019 - around 87% of terminals have been registered with system, aiming for 95% from 1 Jan
MD cont: If we reach 95%, we expect trade to go quite smoothly. If there are hiccups, which we expect as traders won't all be ready, we have installed 750 temporary parking spaces for trucks to sort out the correct paperwork.
MD cont: We are ready, but you can't be ready alone - it is a supply chain responsibility on both sides. We are worried that producers and manufacturers are not ready.
People are expecting that with a settlement everything will be solved.
People are expecting that with a settlement everything will be solved.
As our IfG explainer impact of a deal makes clear, the UK will leave the customs union and single market on 1 Jan, regardless of whether or not there is a deal - interesting to see those on the EU side grappling with the same communications challenges https://www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/future-relationship-brexit-deal
Mark Dijk notes that with just 46 days to go, producers and manufacturers need to be ready - he implores those in the UK to make that clear on their end
