Brexit and Spring: The UK separates from the EU
The biggest change is that the UK will no longer be a part of the EU. This could have direct consequences on cross border shipments. Goods to and from non-EU countries have different agreements with regard to customs control, transit time as well as different stipulations and tariffs. The exact changes are dependent on the outcome of the negotiations between the UK and the EU.
While the UK has agreed the terms of its EU departure, both parties still need to decide what their future relationship will look like- for now all options still remain on the table. Trade agreements will be worked out during the transition period which began immediately after Brexit day and is due to end on 31 December 2020. During this 11-month period, the UK will continue to follow all of the EU's rules and its trading relationship will remain the same. Therefore, as it stands today, there are no direct consequences for your shipments to or from the UK.
At Spring, we follow these negotiations closely and remain prepared for all outcomes. Our solutions help to minimise the uncertainty for clients and facilitate an easier transition between current rules and any new processes which might take effect after the transition period.
As a broker whose aim is to find businesses the most effective delivery solutions whatever their products or destinations, Spring has intensified the focus on getting to grips with the new regulations and making our systems even more flexible.
Our ability to capitalise on ‘postal clearance’, which can already be quicker and more cost-effective than commercial clearance alternatives, will be even more valuable in the event of a ‘hard’ Brexit. It’s just one of the benefits of our being wholly owned by PostNL, the premier provider of postal and parcel services in the Netherlands.
We are, in fact, able to provide shippers with more than 60 different routes to 220 countries around the world. With that truly global reach, we are more agile than our competitors and can tailor delivery provision to the very specific needs of our customers.
Although that capability existed before the UK took the decision to leave the EU, Spring has reacted and refined its expertise over the last three years in order to keep its clients competitive, regardless of where they’re shipping from.
If you would like to learn how Spring can benefit your business, why not get in touch?
We are Spring and we’re here to help.