Christmas food supplies at risk as new EU border rules threaten chaos, logistics leaders warn

The UK’s Christmas food deliveries are at risk as new EU border checks could disrupt the flow of fresh goods, warns Logistics UK.

The trade group is raising alarms over the EU’s forthcoming Entry/Exit System (EES), set to launch on 10 November, which mandates fingerprint and facial recognition checks for all non-EU passengers at Dover.

According to Logistics UK, these new requirements could create severe tailbacks and jeopardise the smooth movement of goods. The organisation has called for a nationwide awareness campaign to mitigate potential chaos at borders.

Research indicates that the EES will extend the processing time for a car with four passengers from under a minute to as much as seven minutes. A study by Imperial College London estimates that each additional minute could add approximately 10 miles to the length of queues. Worst-case scenarios suggest delays of up to 14 hours for travellers, a situation highlighted by Ashford Council in evidence to Parliament earlier this year.

Representing road, rail, and marine transport firms, Logistics UK stressed that the new measures could heavily disrupt lorry traffic during the crucial “food shoulder” period when Britain becomes increasingly dependent on imported goods. The changes at Dover would see drivers and passengers handed tablets to scan their own fingerprints and photographs, with similar procedures in place at Eurotunnel in Folkestone and Eurostar terminals.

Last year, Dover and Eurotunnel managed over half of all UK trade with continental Europe, dominated by imports such as meat, fruit, vegetables, dairy products, honey, and eggs. While most truck drivers are EU nationals and exempt from the new checks, Logistics UK warns that the knock-on effect of delays to car traffic will still force lorries into extensive queues, primarily impacting UK exports like seafood and other perishables.

Nichola Mallon, Head of Trade at Logistics UK, urged the UK Government to lead a comprehensive public awareness campaign, manage expectations, and provide clear guidance. She also called for contingency plans, such as limiting biometric checks, in case of system failures.

Logistics UK estimates that border delays could cost £1.30 per minute per truck, with potential 14-hour holdups adding an extra £1,100 per vehicle—costs that will ultimately be passed on to consumers. An average delay of 90 minutes per journey could cost the UK economy an estimated £400 million annually.

In August, the Government allocated £10.5 million to support preparations for the EES, funding split between Dover, Eurostar, and Eurotunnel. However, this funding will largely cover ongoing infrastructure improvements, including expanded border kiosks and processing facilities, rather than direct solutions to mitigate EES-related delays.

While preparations for a publicity campaign are underway, specific details remain scarce. Previous initiatives, such as those before Brexit and during the Covid pandemic, involved motorway signage and leafleting at service areas, but Mallon emphasises that a broader approach is needed, leveraging both mainstream and social media channels.

Eurostar has also confirmed it is planning its own campaign to help passengers navigate the new EES procedures. With the countdown to the festive season already ticking, the spotlight is on the Government and logistics firms to avert a Christmas supply chain crisis.

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Christmas food supplies at risk as new EU border rules threaten chaos, logistics leaders warn