Limited impact border controls Faber on transport sector

The border controls that have been in place since the end of 2024 to combat illegal immigration have so far had hardly any adverse effects on goods transport. This is according to a survey by BNR among Transport en Logistiek Nederland (TLN) and other parties involved.

Although there were initial concerns about long delays, in practice it appears that transporters experience an average delay of about 20 to 30 minutes. In exceptional cases, this rises to an hour, but TLN says this is still workable for many companies in the border region. ANWB also indicates that the checks do not cause traffic jams or other traffic disruptions.

The measure replaces the previous system of Mobile Surveillance (MTV) and gives the military police wider powers to check at the border. Entry to the Netherlands has since been denied in about 250 cases, Minister Marjolein Faber told the House of Representatives.

Because of the current results, the cabinet has decided to extend the controls for six months.

Business association TLN does call for a careful evaluation. They say the effectiveness of the controls must be weighed against the impact on logistics.

The German-Dutch Chamber of Commerce (DNHK) also confirms that earlier concerns about major economic damage - previously estimated at some €60 million per month - have not materialized. According to their supporters, the damage remains limited.

In summary, the new border controls are causing slight delays but have not caused any major disruptions within the transport sector for the time being. However, it does call for continued monitoring and evaluation of the policy.