'Get Ready for Brexit' website launched

Here, exporters, importers and their logistics service providers can see at a glance what they need to do to quickly transport their cargo to and from the United Kingdom even after the Brexit. The launch of the Getreadyforbrexit.eu website is the starting shot of the international information campaign to guide the entire logistics chain in the run-up to the Brexit.

Step by step

The website focuses on informing and activating parties in the logistics chain, such as importers, exporters, carriers and forwarders. A 'customer journey' has been set up for each target group, showing step by step what action needs to be taken, when and by whom, in order to be able to import or export quickly through Dutch ports after March 29, 2019 as well.

Joint solution

The cooperating parties are calling on the logistics chain to participate in the joint solution for Brexit at Dutch ports. The unified approach will ensure smooth handling of customs formalities arising from the Brexit.

One Dutch chain solution

Initiators of Get Ready for Brexit are Portbase, port entrepreneurs organization Deltalinqs, interest groups FENEX, evofenedex and Transport en Logistiek Nederland/AFTO. Together with Dutch Customs, the port companies of Amsterdam and Rotterdam, ferry operators and shortsea terminals, they have been working since September this year on a single Dutch chain solution for Brexit in the Dutch ports that complies with European legislation.

100% digital

The ingredients of this approach provide for the 100% digital and automated handling of customs formalities, with optimal reuse of data. All information goes ahead of the cargo. For both shortsea and ferry traffic, a single entry point for all terminals is created. This will enable smart supervision by Customs, with minimal intrusion into the process.

Don't sit back

After the Brexit, it will be even more attractive to transport to and from the United Kingdom precisely via the Dutch ports. Portbase director Iwan van der Wolf: 'As a national port community system, Portbase has a coordinating role in making the necessary mutual agreements and developing the required ICT process. In recent months, much has already been achieved and a central working method has been embraced by all participating parties. However, we cannot sit back, because before you know it, it will be March 29. And then we really have to be ready.'

A new reality

The upcoming Brexit creates a new reality for logistics chains between the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Whatever the outcome of the political negotiations: any form of Brexit will create customs formalities in short sea and ferry traffic. In the case of a very real 'no deal' even immediately after March 29, 2019. But even with a soft Brexit - contrary to what many may think - customs formalities are a given in the near future. 'By preparing for this together as a logistics chain now, all cargo can also quickly pass through Dutch ports after the Brexit. If we do not, we will stand still together after the Brexit,' said Steven Lak of port entrepreneurs association Deltalinqs.

Task and responsibility

For the Dutch port solution to work, every link in the logistics chain must participate and prepare in a timely manner. If even one party fails to complete customs formalities on time, the entire chain comes to a standstill. From exporters, importers, freight forwarders, and customs brokers to carriers, terminals, shipping lines, shipowners, and ferry operators, every party has a role and a responsibility. If everyone consistently takes action in a timely manner and provides the correct (customs) information, all cargo will continue to move quickly through the Dutch ports to and from the United Kingdom even after Brexit.

Deep into the hinterland

Bart Jan Koopman, Director of evofenedex: “That is why the international campaign is so incredibly important. The transport chain extends deep into the hinterland. Shippers and carriers in countries such as Poland and Germany also need to know what they must do to quickly transport their goods to and from the United Kingdom via Dutch ports after Brexit—without any hassle.”​

source: https://www.tln.nl