exporters frustrated by post-Brexit border checks and red tape

British exporters have expressed deep frustration due to border tests after Britain left the European Union, blame for unclear customs guidance, high costs, and poor communication from HMRC to delay the supply chain and increase operational stress.

A new report commissioned by HMRC and presented by IPSOS is one of the first “warts and all of them” detailed for the United Kingdom’s border operations since the European Union left. The study found, based on the interviews conducted with 35 traders and shipping agents, that although most of the fresh goods movements are “generally smooth”, many also described the system as costly, transparent and emotional drainage of employees.

“It is up to the employees”: the cost and confusion on the front lines

Many companies that were left in the dark were described when their goods were stopped on the border, with no clear information about who can be contacted or how the problem is solved.

One of the great sources said: “An employee member told me that he does not want to work in this field because” he cannot bear the pressure of everything ” – it really reaches the employees.”

The financial impact of delay was also severe. “If you have problems, there is usually a financial penalty. Storage fee is rising quickly. One fine of 600 pounds can erase all your profits on the job,” said a medium -sized export agent.

Many merchants said that it was difficult to find accurate contact information for HMRC, as one small agent described the process of solving problems as “painful” and saying: “They will not speak to us. Until finding the appropriate email to talk to three different people – then he went to the power force, not even the relevant office.”

The delays related to the border and the red tape led to logistical uncertainty, which makes it difficult for companies to plan the transportation schedules and fulfill the delivery obligations.

From employing additional drivers to covering the lost delivery windows, companies are now facing a commercial scene after Britain’s exit from the European Union full of hidden costs and inefficiency.

Despite the pain points, a number of merchants have noticed improvements in recent months. One of them said: “The chaos was after Britain left the European Union, but recently, it was much better.” Another added, “Perhaps things just slowed down a little from time to time.”

However, William Payne, head of commercial policy in the British Chambers of Commerce, warned that IPSOS interviews were conducted before entering the UK’s full import controls, including material checks on food products and plant products.

“Customs and borders are still a daily pain point,” Payne said. “That is why we urge the Summit of UK and the European Union to agree on a strong deal of agricultural food and cancel safety and security ads in both directions,” Payne said.

Payne says that such reforms can simplify the border processes of both UK and the European Union – especially small and medium -sized companies that lack the resources necessary to move in complex customs systems.

In a statement, HMRC said: “Companies told us that transporting goods across the border was generally a smooth process. We will continue to use notes to simplify procedures, improve guidance, and support the flow of legitimate goods. We are committed to simplifying customs and reducing burdens while maintaining effective tests.”

However, with the continued deployment of full customs protocols after Britain’s exit from the European Union, many companies feel not prepared and supportive. Summary of a large mood source:

“We get customer complaints due to the border delay – but we get a lot of complaints about a lot of things.”