U.K. forwarder optimistic about new EU import rules

Ten days after a new set of rules and regulations for goods entering Britain from the E.U. came into force, one of the U.K.’s largest independent freight forwarding and logistics companies says that they have proved to be less chaotic than predicted, and expressed cautious optimism about the new arrangements.

Davies Turner, which operates a comprehensive network of pan-European trailer services to and from the U.K., reports that  freight is flowing and it has already handled hundreds of trucks under the new Goods Vehicle Movement System (GVMS).

The company acknowledges that there have been some teething problems with the new GVMS and that trade is generally slower at the start of the year. However, management believes that for imports, especially, having its own inland customs-bonded depots is an advantage and should drastically cut the risk of problems, or the need for one of its lorries to report to a Border inspection point.

Following the rules

“Although we typically see a fairly quiet start to the year in terms of traffic, traders appear to be following the new rules and the systems seem to be working. This time last year, when new rules for exports to the E.U. came in, there were considerable problems. This year, so far, it is minor frustrations and a little confusion in terms of GVMS, and it is a breeze compared with January 2021,” said Danny Southby, Davies Turner’s head of European Network.

Southby reported however, that the company has had inquiries already from E.U.-based foodstuff suppliers that are having problems with their usual transport providers. He said this shows that some trucking companies might be shying away from carrying food products. Davies Turner has decided not to accept any new business of foodstuffs, or products of animal origin, until it is comfortable with the new rules in place.

“Under the new border regime, GVMS will play an important role in facilitating the fast movement of goods between the EU and Britain, but traders need to keep abreast of HMRC notices about how to use it correctly, as well as the guidance that we are providing,” Southby said.