EU’s bureaucratic new rules put Christmas on the brink as warning issued
New bureaucratic rules introduced by the European Union have left Christmas on the brink as border checks threaten UK food supply chains ahead of the festive season.
Updated checks require all non-EU passengers at Dover to provide fingerprints and participate in facial recognition checks.
Officials will store the information for three years.
The EU is preparing to roll out its new Entry/Exit System (EES) on November 10.
The EES system will apply when entering 25 EU countries and four non-EU countries which are part of the bloc’s border-free Schengen area.
Logistics UK has warned that this will interrupt the flow of goods and there are worries the checks could also risk delaying holidaymakers by creating mile-long traffic jams.
Nichola Mallon, head of trade at Logistics UK, told The Telegraph: “If the EES is implemented as planned, I’m afraid we’re facing huge upheaval in the supply chain.
“The Government needs to take the lead now on raising awareness among the public, managing their expectations and signposting where they can go for advice.”
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Experts suggested the EES could increase processing times for a car with a family of four from less than 60 seconds to seven minutes.
Imperial College London also revealed every extra minute could add about 10 miles to queues.
The situation resulted in Kent County Council warning jams could be “much worse” than 23-mile tailbacks seen in 2022.
However, the impact of food supplies at Christmas comes after Dover and Eurotunnel handled 54 per cent of all UK trade with continental Europe last year.
Logistics UK estimates the cost of border delays at £1.30 a minute with a 14-hour hold-up costing £1,100 in additional expense per truck.
Emma Ward, chief operations officer at the Port of Dover, said: “We are doing all that we can to be ready with the facilities that will be used by French border officials operating the new system.”
Eurostar chief safety and stations officer Simon Lejeune added: “With support from the Government, we have enhanced our facilities and upgraded our technology to meet the new requirements.
“Eurostar will be fully prepared and compliant by November, ensuring a smooth transition for all our passengers.”