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Safe and legally compliant (post-)Brexit logistics!

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Brexit has taken place and there are still a few stumbling blocks in the market. For example, the workload increases and the flow of goods is monitored more closely after the six-month phase 1. On the other hand, IT adjustments are necessary and new documentation requirements must be met.

Below is a short statement from our branch manager Richard Arnold in London on the current situation.

Even four weeks after the new Brexit rules came into force, logistics companies and their customers are still uncertain about their implementation. Richard Arnold, the UK country manager and branch manager of the German sea and air freight forwarder Quick Cargo Service, says: “Many companies are not yet aware of their responsibility to comply with the new rules.” According to Arnold, after the end of the single market, British companies are primarily concerned with fundamental legal and bureaucratic questions: “How do British and EU companies invoice each other? What should the general terms and conditions of your contracts with suppliers look like? How exactly does customs clearance work and who pays the VAT?” Many companies were not aware that a T1 document is required to transit their goods to EU customers via France and that there are only a few transport companies that provide a transit guarantee.

The question of how e-commerce should be treated is also unclear. Brexit is destroying e-commerce sales for those who weren’t prepared. “There is confusion as to whether the seller or the customer should be held responsible for paying customs duties and VAT.” According to Arnold, the majority of UK-based companies believe the uncertainties will ease over time. “It’s a bit like after a divorce. The court has decided who can see the children and when, and it will take a while for the parents to get used to the new rules.”
According to Arnold, logisticians today have to act as consultants for their customers much more than before. “Truck transport will be hardest hit by Brexit,” says Arnold; Sea freight will hardly be affected by the new rules. Air freight traffic will also be affected to some extent by Brexit,” said Arnold.


The new situation also offers service providers new opportunities to offer new services, says Arnold. “When things suddenly become more complicated and bureaucratic, companies need more help. That’s why the logistics service providers with the most knowledge have the best chance of being able to offer customers new solutions