PA welcomes trade facilitation focus of Brexit White Paper
(Posted on 19/07/18)
The British Ports Association has welcomed the Government’s Brexit White Paper which outlines the UK’s aims for a future economic relationship with the EU. Included in the White Paper is the much publicised Facilitated Customs Arrangement which essentially enables the continued frictionless trade between the UK and the EU. Commenting on the developments the British Ports Association’s Chief Executive, Richard Ballantyne said:
“It is clear that the Government has listened to businesses and ports as the revised Facilitated Customs Arrangement proposal will preserve the present free flowing of trade between the UK and the EU. If agreed, this concept would avoid the need for customs and other frontier checks and would ensure that borders remain fluid. It would therefore address the concerns about queues and congestion at ports. We understand there will be challenges for other parts of the logistics industry to overcome but we welcome the Prime Minister’s aspirations to find a trade friendly Brexit deal.”
The main relevance for ports is that the Facilitated Customs Arrangement proposes a free trade agreement that involves the UK becoming a ‘Combined Customs Territory’ with the EU. This will enable trade between the UK and the EU to be free from customs controls and checks. Mr Ballantyne continued:
“Whilst the Association did not take a position on the referendum or any other political episodes, we have been clear from the day of the result that where possible, retaining the benefits that the Customs Union and the Single Market provide in terms of trade facilitation, should be a key priority.”
Free circulation for goods will be possible, the White Paper suggests, by the UK aligning its customs rules with the EU’s and by adopting a Common Rule Book for goods. This will mean the UK and the EU will have a system of mutual recognition of standards. Significantly this will cover agri-food standards exempting the need for a port health inspection regime at the border as well.
Ballantyne added: “We are pleased to see that the new proposals mean no new physical or IT infrastructure requirements for those ports with EU traffic. A lot will depend upon the EU’s reaction of course but it’s important to note that the proposal will also solve the post Brexit border challenges which would arise at European ports with links to the UK.”
Latest News
ABL strengthens market value and global reach through TSA acquisition
(Posted on 30/07/25)Asian Bulk Logistics (ABL), has finalised its acquisition of Transhipment Services Australia (TSA),... Read more
Klaipeda Port leads Baltic States in cargo growth
(Posted on 21/07/25)In the first six months of this year, nearly 19 million tons of cargo were handled at Klaipeda Port.... Read more
Adam Bell named President of S.H. Bell Company
(Posted on 21/07/25)S.H. Bell Company, a trusted name in cargo handling, warehousing, and logistics for more than 90 years... Read more
Declining bulk traffic at Antwerp-Bruges in first half of 2025
(Posted on 15/07/25)In the first six months of 2025, the total throughput of Port of Antwerp-Bruges was 137.2 million tonnes... Read more
AD Ports MoU with Critical Minerals Forum to strengthen global supply chains
(Posted on 11/07/25)AD Ports Group, an Abu Dhabi based, leading enabler of global trade, logistics, and industry has announced... Read more
Long An International Port reaffirms commitment to green and sustainable development
(Posted on 10/07/25)Long An International Port has successfully concluded its participation at ASEAN Ports & Logistics... Read more
World’s first hybrid solar-powered inland shipping vessel
(Posted on 08/07/25)Dutch maritime solar innovator Wattlab has delivered a solar energy system for HGK Shipping’s... Read more
Euroports’ new long-term concession agreement with port of Venice
(Posted on 02/07/25)Euroports has announced the signing of a new long-term concession agreement between Terminal Rinfuse... Read more
Mike McCoshen sworn in as new GLS Administrator
(Posted on 26/06/25)J.M. (Mike) McCoshen has been sworn in as the twelfth Administrator of the U.S. Department of Transportation... Read more
Major leap forward for Port of Coeymans, USA
(Posted on 25/06/25)A 3000 Series E-Crane has been delivered to the Port of Coeymans, USA, a milestone for Carver Industries... Read more
