Dover, UK: The date for the introduction of the EU’s new Entry/Exit system has been delayed again – pushed back from October until November – according to multiple press reports.
The launch of the new checks to enter the EU has been delayed from 6 October until at least 10 November. The new measures mean that every non-EU citizen will be required to physically register biometric data – fingerprint and facial scans – instead of simply presenting a passport.
According to the Guardian, the European Commission has not confirmed a new date but some ports and airports have been briefed to expect a later start – with a “last resort” date of 17 November.
Logistics UK had called on Cabinet minister Nick Thomas-Symonds to secure a delay to the EU Entry/Exit System when he travelled to Brussels a few days ago.
Logistics UK head of trade & devolved policy Nichola Mallon had urged Thomas-Symonds to agree a delay with the EU as this will mitigate the severe impact the current timetable will have on freight. Mallon believes that October is too early for the industry.
She told The Loadstar that the move was likely to lead to supply chain disruption, especially at Dover, as outbound hauliers will be held up while passengers are processed through the EES system.
The Port of Dover has previously warned that queues could last for as much as 14 hours.
Labour has pledged to “reset” the UK/EU relationship and to tackle barriers to trade.
