Newsletter - October2020

Centrolene
NewsEdge Know more.
Page: 19
Robert Keen, director general of the trade association that represents Britain’s
freight forwarding companies, says he believes that the results of BIFA’s latest
survey of members clearly demonstrate that much greater clarity is needed
on government plans for the border.
“The results indicate that the recent publication of the Border Operating
Model and Moving Goods Under the Northern Ireland Protocol have not
greatly assisted members’ understanding of procedures regarding imports and
exports between the EU and UK, and GB and Northern Ireland, respectively,”
Keen said.
In a general question on their understanding of the UK government’s plans for
the border after the end of the Transition Period, more than half of the
respondents said that they either had no knowledge, or what knowledge they
do have needs improving.
In regards to the Border Operating Model, while 70% of respondents said they
understand the Customs procedures required to import goods into the UK
from the EU at the end of the Transition Period, fewer than half said that was
the case in regards to Safety and Security Declarations. This was also the case
with respondents that are involved in the import of live animals, and/or
products of animal origin, as well as fresh fruit and vegetables.
The results were broadly similar for procedures to be followed for export
movements from the UK to EU, although 79% said they have no
understanding of import procedures in individual EU Member States regarding
export movements from the UK to EU.
Northern Ireland confusion
Asked whether they understand the correct processes relating to trade
between mainland GB and NI under the ‘Moving goods under the Northern
Ireland Protocol’ process, the overwhelming majority of respondents said they