Brexit: Hauliers call for customs entry and exit declarations agreement

A “substantial” customs agent shortage in the UK also needs to be urgently addressed ahead of the end of the Brexit transition period, hauliers added.

Northern Ireland businesses are facing added pressure due to the potential formalities associated with the Irish border protocol that will not be faced by other UK businesses in Great Britain, the Freight Transport Association (FTA) said.

It said: “Logistics is an adaptable industry that can quickly react to changing circumstances, new risks and opportunities, but to do so it needs advanced notice of the changes that are to come.

“On both sides of the Irish Sea, businesses and logistics providers need to have timely clarity on operational requirements and new processes so they have enough time to implement them.”

It said trade facilitation measures can help reduce additional requirements and red tape for traders and their logistics providers while the UK is outside the EU’s single market and customs union.

The FTA said: “Our industry needs a safety and security agreement removing the need for entry and exit summary declarations between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

“For this to work, it would also be likely that the same process would likely be required on shipping between Great Britain and Ireland.”

The transition period is due to end at the end of this year.

The UK is due to indicate by June whether it is seeking an extended period of transition, although Downing Street has ruled out such a move.