THE British International Freight Association (BIFA) has described the UK governmen's refusal to extend the 11-month transition period as 'very risky'.
'In light of the huge issues involved with a sharp change in trading conditions at the start of 2021, particularly if that were to coincide with another covid-19 outbreak, an extension looks increasingly likely,' BIFA director general Robert Keen.
'There has been little meaningful consultation with UK trade regarding the policies and procedures required in order to ensure that trade with the EU can continue relatively uninterrupted post December 31st 2020.
'Trade deals are typically multi-year exercises, but in this case, the UK and EU realistically have until October to agree on terms, allowing time for ratification. And while formal talks are continuing, many of the civil service resources previously assigned to support negotiations have been reallocated to deal with the coronavirus emergency response,' he said.
Mr Keen argues that the transition period wasn't just designed to facilitate negotiations, it was also there to give businesses time to prepare for the future relationship.
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'In light of the huge issues involved with a sharp change in trading conditions at the start of 2021, particularly if that were to coincide with another covid-19 outbreak, an extension looks increasingly likely,' BIFA director general Robert Keen.
'There has been little meaningful consultation with UK trade regarding the policies and procedures required in order to ensure that trade with the EU can continue relatively uninterrupted post December 31st 2020.
'Trade deals are typically multi-year exercises, but in this case, the UK and EU realistically have until October to agree on terms, allowing time for ratification. And while formal talks are continuing, many of the civil service resources previously assigned to support negotiations have been reallocated to deal with the coronavirus emergency response,' he said.
Mr Keen argues that the transition period wasn't just designed to facilitate negotiations, it was also there to give businesses time to prepare for the future relationship.
WORLD SHIPPING