Customs union not enough, says FTA

A post-Brexit customs union would not remove the need for checks at the borders or deliver frictionless arrangements on its own, the Freight Transport Association has warned MPs who will vote on a motion on customs & borders today (26 April).

Deputy chief executive James Hookham said: “Leaving the EU Customs Union and single market has big consequences for supply chains and the continuity of the UK’s European trade. If the Government remains fixed on this course, then it must prioritise sorting out the potential ‘showstoppers’ that will kick in on Day One of Brexit.”

Currently, more than 10,000 HGVs travel through the Port of Dover and Eurotunnel each day.

The FTA argues that while leaving the Customs Union will lengthen transit times in terms of border checks, and add red tape” in terms of customs formalities for traders, leaving the European single market could have an even greater impact on trade, with border controls and regulatory barriers being forced on importers and exporters.