Entrepreneurs bringing or sending goods to the UK by ferry may be accosted by 'Are You Brexit Proof' teams from Dutch Customs in the coming weeks. They will provide self-employed entrepreneurs and drivers with information on how to prepare for the Brexit.
With the deployment of 'Are You Brexit Proof' teams at ferry terminals, Customs hopes to activate entrepreneurs to prepare for the Brexit. Entrepreneurs are told by the teams how they can ensure that they can smoothly drive on and off the ferry even after the Brexit. For instance, they will receive a guide explaining the preparations step by step in 10 languages. There are also LED screens with customs information at the ferry ports. The 'Are You Brexit Proof' campaign will last until 29 March, the date when the Brexit is planned.
Increase in customs formalities
Customs itself says it is prepared for the Brexit, even in the event of a no deal. For instance, it has hired more than 500 additional staff. "For us, Brexit means an increase in the number of declarations and the number of companies facing customs formalities. Customs supervision, including at ferry terminals, is also new," said Nanette van Schelven, general director of Dutch Customs. "To avoid logistics delays as much as possible, the business community must also prepare properly and in good time. An estimated 35,000 mainly small and medium-sized businesses will have to deal with our customs procedures for the first time after Brexit."
UK House of Commons rules out no deal
A no-deal on 29 March looks unlikely. On Wednesday night, a majority in the UK House of Commons voted against a no-deal Brexit, and a vote will be taken on Thursday to postpone the Brexit, which should prevent a hard exit.
