Brexit customs chaos on horizon says NAO, but rerouting could be solution

The UK’s National Audit Office has claimed that many British ports, particularly those on the Channel, will be unprepared for Brexit come 1 January, even if a deal is secured.

With time running out to get new IT systems in place, many organisations will be considering other options for getting their goods to retail stores, supermarkets and doorsteps smoothly post Brexit. Rerouting round the chaos is one such option, as some businesses consider leveraging ports away from the most popular areas in order to avoid queues which could stretch to days long.

Please see below a comment from customs expert Stefan Tärneberg, Director of Solution Consulting at BluJay Solutions, discussing why supply chain leaders should consider this alternative option.

Stefan Tärneberg, Director of Solution Consulting at BluJay Solutions said, “Rerouting via different ports could be a saving grace for shippers in some industries. While the most popular ports will be over capacity from January 1st, companies are beginning to explore the potential of smaller ports off the beaten track to skip the queues. Unlike those on the Channel, many of these also come equipped with specialists well-versed in overseas declarations, who can get goods across the line far quicker. 

“But rerouting is not a viable solution for everyone. Fresh flowers from the Netherlands or fruit from the Mediterranean won’t survive the long journey. It also costs more in fuel miles: not ideal for those with heavy shipments. But for those determined to keep up standards, sharing containers or collaborating with suppliers on route-finding will make post-Brexit shipping far more resilient and flexible.

“Whatever your shipping plan post-Brexit, it will pay to be prepared when the system is inevitably placed under immediate strain come 1 January. That means employing experts now can help you understand the new ‘overseas’ regulations. As for your competitors? They’ll likely be ready with backup plans and contingencies to ensure that the goods make it to their destination, whatever it takes.”