Ports & Airports

Businesses that trade with the EU will broadly follow the same customs controls as businesses trading with the rest of the world – so they will need to adapt their business to comply with these systems, processes and controls.

How customs processes will change

EU freight moving through ports and airports will become third country freight, subject to the same rules and procedures as are currently in place for third country freight. You will need to make sure you are set up to meet the processing requirements of third country trade and customs procedures.

We recognise that many ports which predominantly facilitate trade with the EU will benefit from having electronic systems in place to facilitate the presentation and processing of goods at ports.

If you do not currently use such processes, it is likely that the procedures for clearing these goods will depend more heavily on manual processes.

If such systems are not in place when the UK leaves the EU, processes will be put in place to facilitate trade flow – but you will need to work with HMRC on implementing an effective streamlined regime.

Actions you can take now

1. Familiarise yourself with the processing requirements of third country trade and customs procedures, and assess the impact of these on your port or airport.
2. Assess the impact of any increased demand for customs and safety and security declarations on your business, and whether you would need to recruit and train additional staff.
3. Discuss these changes with all your onsite stakeholders to identify any potential infrastructure issues, and ensure that they are in a position to support any changes that you need to put in place.
4. The passport rules for travel to most countries in Europe will change if the UK leaves the EU on 29 March 2019 (may also apply to new exit date on 31 December 2020) without a deal. Read the government’s guidance on Travelling to the EU with a UK passport if there’s no Brexit deal and, if relevant, ensure your employees and customers are aware of the potential changes.
5. Stay up-to-date with these changes by registering for email alerts. Follow the link, add your email address, select ‘Submit’, select ‘Add subscription’ and choose ‘EU Exit’ then select ‘Submit’.