S P E C I A L F E ATURE Customs dealt with approximately one million transactions in January last year. This year, they anticipate 28 million transactions cant book them on our trips until they have all the documents in order, she says. Some are even arguing with us about what documents are required. According to Sarah Laouadi, European Policy Manager of Logistics UK (previously the Freight Transport Association), says clear and ongoing dialogue throughout supply chains is vital. A survey of the organisations members showed a lack of coordination between different parts of a supply chain led to significant problems, she adds. Of those who experienced customs-related issues, the overwhelming majority reported an element of misunderstanding or miscommunication on the part of their partners. Tickner says transparent communications with clients is vital so that they understand how and where new costs are occurring. Manage your customers expectations, he says. Let them know the process, what were going through, and what our vehicles and crews are going through. With significantly more time-consuming and often complicated admin to do, customers also need to appreciate that movers will be charging more for the new services. Studd says: The additional costs incurred by the business, relative to time and resource, are significant, and all movers will absolutely need to reassess the cost of providing the service. The movement of household goods to and from the UK/EU now includes a new tier of service, and, unfortunately, those costs will need to be covered by the consumer or corporate client. Tickner adds that movers skill sets have often been undervalued, but, after Brexit, they must be bold about charging for service and expertise. For too long, we have been looked on as a low-skilled industry and were not: the processes we go through, the customs BREXIT KEY VOCABULARY AEO: Authorised Economic Operator Cabotage: a French word meaning the transport of goods between two places within the same country CMR Note: Consignment note with a standard set of transport and liability conditions ECMT permit: European Conference of Ministers of Transport ENS: Entry Summary Declaration a pre-alert to the border post through which goods will pass EXS: Exit Summary Declaration also a pre-alert to the border post GVMS: Goods Vehicle Movement Service HMRC: Her Majestys Revenue and Customs (UK) URN: Unique Reference Number, given by customs to a shipper if their TOR application (see below) is approved. It must be given to the clearing agent. Warning this does not mean a shipment has cleared customs SSD: Safety and Security Declaration T1/T2: transit forms used for moving goods that have yet to clear customs in their country of destination TOR: Transfer of residence UK customs application to bring your goods to the UK duty and tax free TSS: Trader Support Service used for movement of goods between the rest of the UK and Northern Ireland 34 FF301 Q2 21 pp32-35 Feature Brexit.indd 34 Groupage shipments coming through the UK now incur more cost and may no longer be viable (see panel, The groupage issue) and authorities we deal with, and the scale of our operational staff, he says. We shouldnt be frightened of charging properly for these services. Previously, even man and van operations could execute a move in a free-flowing, almost domestic market, but Brexit has raised the level of entry, says Gilbert. Now that goods and services are moving between two separate jurisdictions, the additional knowledge needed is likely to make the professional moving company, with a structure such as a bond and AEO [Authorised Economic Operator] status more reliable, relevant, in demand and valuable to the transferring client. In the short- to medium-term at least, says Studd, this may lead to a narrowing of mobility supply chains between the two areas. We may see a downturn in the number of moves transacted as companies adjust to the new rules, he says. Some businesses are going to look at this process and say do you know what? This is too much trouble and well leave it to those who specialise. Studd expects corporate moves to remain healthy, with UK-based companies moving some or all of their operations to mainland Europe something already evidenced by recent announcements of relocations out of Londons financial district and other business centres. For now, movers who are already finding their way in the post-Brexit environment have some practical advice for those about to do the same. Plan, plan, plan, says Gilbert, who advises that movers should also train their staff; consider becoming AEO-certified, securing a transit bond, and forming an alliance with a customs-bonded warehouse provider. WW W. F I D I FOC U S . OR G 09/03/2021 09:49