Challenges surrounding the Coronavirus outbreak should not stop UK companies making plans to manage the new import/export regime due to become reality in just three months’ time. That is the advice from Rhenus, the global freight forwarder that operates road, air and ocean freight transports across the world.
Rhenus is encouraging companies to act now to avoid trading challenges after 1 January 2021.
The UK Government published its blueprint for how the UK-EU border will operate after the Brexit transition period in July 2020 and this has subsequently been updated on 8 October 2020. Known as the Border Operating Model (BOM), this document describes how companies should manage imports and exports after the UK effectively leaves the EU single market and customs union on 31 December 2020.
Rhenus is urging businesses to understand the requirements of the BOM document as a matter of urgency so that meaningful planning can continue – whether that is something they do internally or through the right logistics partner. Available as a download, the BOM explains the key areas of new bureaucracy and customs processes that will be phased in over a six-month period. To afford the industry extra time to make necessary arrangements, the UK Government has taken the decision to introduce the new border controls in three stages up until 1 July 2021, when it is planned that the new border will be fully operational.
Rob Mulligan, UK Customs Manager and Project Lead at Rhenus, said: “We know that many UK businesses have understandably had their focus on dealing with the immediate effects of the COVID-19 outbreak. However, businesses need to factor the milestone of the end of the year into their operational planning and keep Brexit firmly on their boardroom agendas.”
“Things are clearly going to be moving quickly over the next few months, so there is no time to sit back and wait. Those that have well-developed, flexible plans and freight models in place will emerge with significant competitive advantage come next year.”
Find further information on Rhenus and a Brexit preparation checklist here.
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