The largest British business organization, the CBI, has called for a postponement of the implementation of new customs checks after Brexit, as companies have not had enough time to prepare due to the coronavirus crisis.
The CBI is not the only one asking for more time. On Wednesday, the British meat industry said the government should negotiate a ‘orientation phase.’ ”
With less than 14 days to go before the UK leaves the EU's internal market, many British and European companies are still in the dark about what the future trading relationship will look like. There are fears of transport chaos because customs checks will have to be reintroduced.
The Confederation of British Industry, which represents 190,000 companies, is also requesting a postponement period for the new paperwork that will soon be required, regardless of whether the UK and the EU reach a trade agreement or not.
“With time so short, both parties must take steps to minimize disruption, no matter the outcome of the negotiations,” the CBI said in a report published on Friday.
So far, the British government under Prime Minister Boris Johnson firmly refuses to extend the Brexit transition period but does want a six-month ‘delayed implementation’ for some elements.
The British government has stated that a queue of 7,000 trucks could form at UK ferry ports. It is also uncertain whether food products imported from the EU will be able to enter the country on time.