MercoPress, en Español

Montevideo, October 8th 2024 - 19:20 UTC

 

 

CBI calls on the EU for a customs grace period after Brexit: UK firms “still on the dark”

Friday, December 18th 2020 - 08:14 UTC
Full article 2 comments
The CBI which represents 190,000 businesses, is also asking for companies to be given time to comply with new paperwork that will be required The CBI which represents 190,000 businesses, is also asking for companies to be given time to comply with new paperwork that will be required

Britain's biggest business lobby group called on the European Union to delay introducing new customs checks after Brexit because firms haven't had enough time to prepare amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The Confederation of British Industry, which represents 190,000 businesses, is also asking for companies to be given a grace period to comply with new paperwork that will be required at the end of the year whether or not the UK and EU reach a trade deal.

With less than 14 days to go before Britain leaves the EU's single market, firms are still in the dark as to what the future trading relationship with the bloc will look like - raising the threat of widespread disruption on Jan 1.

“With time so short, both sides need to take steps to minimize disruption no matter the outcome,” the CBI said in a report published on Friday setting out its demands for business.

“Without them, much of the progress made recovering from the pandemic will be lost.” Asked whether companies will be given leeway to cope with new Brexit requirements, Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove told Parliament on Thursday: “We want to make sure there can be a smooth glide path for businesses.”

The UK government has said 7,000-truck-long queues could form around ports in a reasonable worst case scenario because businesses haven't prepared, threatening food supplies and causing havoc for just-in-time manufacturers.

Even if an accord is struck, firms will have to prove the origin of their goods to benefit from tariff-free trade, and the CBI said companies should be given a one-year grace period to meet this requirement. The CBI also called for a one-year easement which would allow UK products certified in Britain to be sold in the EU.

The UK government has consistently ruled out extending the Brexit transition period, but has taken unilateral actions - such as phasing-in post-Brexit import procedures over six months - to try to minimise the upheaval firms face.

The CBI isn't alone in calling for more time to adjust. On Wednesday, the British meat industry said the government should negotiate an “orientation phase.”

Categories: Economy, Politics, International.

Top Comments

Disclaimer & comment rules
  • Don Alberto

    Jeeeez, the UK has had 4 years to prepare, the last year with the certainty that 31 December 2020 was the last day of grace.

    How shall the UK survive when it is haunted by this degree of incompetence?

    Dec 18th, 2020 - 12:14 pm 0
  • Pugol-H

    The Diehard remainer Undead.

    It was the same before the referendum and leaving, everything will collapse people will starve, riots on the streets etc. etc.

    Over 50% of our business/exports are done under WTO rules, including with the US, who we do almost as much with as the EU.

    So suck it up boys and shape up, it’s happening.

    Remember business is a Darwinian environment, if you can’t do it and well, someone else will.

    Dec 19th, 2020 - 02:15 pm 0
Read all comments

Commenting for this story is now closed.
If you have a Facebook account, become a fan and comment on our Facebook Page!