EU says no to "light touch" border following Brexit

Despite the talks for Brexit still taking place and both parties hoping to make the best out of the circumstanced for both the UK and Europe, the European Union has stated that there will be regulatory checks for Britain - which will alter the course from that of the "freedom-of-movement" across Europe the UK has experienced the last few decades and was hoping to maintain whatever the outcome of Brexit talks may have been.
 
This would have a significant impact on international trade for UK-based hauliers looking to travel over Europe and manage their business outside of the UK. This could mean journeys would take even longer, with UK operators needing thorough checks before proceeding into countries of Europe for haulage and trade.
 
Vice President of he European Commission, Maros Sefcovic, explained the UK border is under the decision of the UK Government - however, as implementation of the terms following Brexit, they would be taking steps to ensure their borders as secure as is likely the case for UK officials.
 
The UK Government had proposed a "light-touch" border system, which would ensure both parties would continue to see a reasonable flow of traffic between the UK and EU, which many hoped would ease the pressure that international borders are already feeling due to the coronavirus pandemic.
 
Mr Sefcovic said the potential risk of infected goods from both sides would need to face thorough checks and more intense customs regulations.
 
He clarified further by stating: “I can assure everyone that the EU will continue to fully protect the integrity of the single market and customs union as well as its financial interest,” naturally, both parties have just as much concern for the safety of their drivers as they do for the security of their goods.
 
This was after the UK Government confirmed that they would not like an extension on the Brexit transition period. The EU began to describe their plan for the transition over the next 6 months to adjust to new border regulations to handle Britain's departure from the single market and appropriately handle their borders in that time.
 
The UK expects that firms importing goods from the EU as of January 1st will have 6 months to complete declarations and ensure all required paperwork is filled. Duty payments are to be deferred until paperwork is completed.
 
The Government is investing an extra £50m to support businesses and offer further training for customs agencies, to handle the amount of additional declarations there are set to be following Brexit. Which could be as high in 200m for goods coming in and out of the UK.
 
While there are still concerns as to how the capacity at the border will operate, many were relieved to hear there would be a 6 month period enabling owner drivers and fleet operators to prepare alike to match the demands of haulage and logistics despite the difficult challenge of leaving the EU while at the same time still tackling the challenge of overcoming aspects of a global pandemic.

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