Christmas food deliveries in the UK are at risk as new EU border checks could disrupt the flow of fresh goods, the UK’s logistics body has warned.
The trade group is sounding the alarm over the EU’s upcoming Entry and Exit System (EES), due to launch on November 10, which will impose fingerprint and facial recognition checks on all non-EU passengers at Dover.
According to Logistics UK, the new requirements could cause long queues and put the movement of goods at risk. The organisation has called for a nationwide awareness campaign to mitigate potential chaos at the border.
Research suggests that the EES system will increase the processing time for four-passenger vehicles from less than a minute to up to seven minutes. A study by Imperial College London suggests that every extra minute could add around 10 miles to the queue. Worst-case scenarios could see delays of up to 14 hours for commuters, a situation highlighted by Ashford Council in testimony to parliament earlier this year.
Logistics UK, which represents road, rail and shipping companies, stressed that the new measures could severely disrupt truck traffic during a crucial “food stamp” period when Britain becomes increasingly reliant on imported goods. The changes in Dover include drivers and passengers being given tablets to scan their fingerprints and photographs, with similar measures in place at the Channel Tunnel at Folkestone and Eurostar terminals.
Last year, Dover and Eurotunnel handled more than half of the UK’s trade with continental Europe, which is dominated by imports such as meat, fruit and vegetables, dairy products, honey and eggs. While most truck drivers are EU citizens and exempt from the new checks, Logistics UK warns that the knock-on effect of the delays will still see trucks stuck in long queues, primarily affecting UK exports such as seafood and other perishables.
Nicola Mallon, head of trade at Logistics UK, urged the UK government to lead a comprehensive public awareness campaign, manage expectations and provide clear guidance. She also called for contingency plans, such as reducing biometric checks, in case the system fails.
Logistics UK estimates that border delays could cost £1.30 per minute per truck, with a 14-hour delay potentially adding an extra £1,100 per vehicle – costs that would ultimately be passed on to consumers. An average 90-minute delay per journey could cost the UK economy an estimated £400m a year.
In August, the government allocated £10.5 million to support preparations for the EES, with funding split between Dover, Eurostar and Eurotunnel. However, this funding will largely cover ongoing infrastructure improvements, including expanded border kiosks and processing facilities, rather than direct solutions to alleviate delays associated with the EES.
While preparations for a publicity campaign are underway, specific details remain scarce. Previous initiatives, such as those before Brexit and during the Covid-19 pandemic, have involved putting up signs on motorways and distributing leaflets in service areas, but Malone stresses the need for a broader approach, leveraging mainstream and social media channels.
Eurostar has also confirmed that it is planning its own campaign to help passengers deal with the new EES measures. As the countdown to the festive season approaches, the focus is on the government and logistics companies to avoid a Christmas supply chain crisis.