This morning, I arrived late for work. My phone ran an update in the middle of the night, so the alarm did not go off. Fortunately, the biorhythm caused a better than expected result: I was only half an hour late. Now, was this my own fault? I don’t think so. Could I have prevented it? Probably. My phone had been asking for the update for days and all this time I kept ignoring it. As a result, I designed my own destiny.

What is the lesson I’ve learned from this? You have more influence on external factors than you think. Even if something happens that you cannot get a grip on, you can prepare yourself as well as possible. This also applies to the Brexit. Accordingly to ABN AMRO, this is one of the three biggest challenges in the logistics sector in the coming years. It remains to be seen whether in 2021 it will be a hard or soft separation from the European Union. But whatever the outcome will be, you can prepare yourself. Are you already doing that?

Bremain, Brexit and everything in Bretween

Boris Kwantes, CEO of Customs Support, said in an interview with Rabobank* that it will be a “rough Brexit” anyway. The chances are very small that he United Kingdom will keep its EU-membership, and therefore its customs benefits. A Bremain is virtually excluded. Where the Dutch Transport & Logistics sector (TLN) prefers an accommodating Swiss model, Rabobank expects a UK model to be introduced. The main difference between these two models is the free movement of people and capital. And you probably guessed it right: this is not the case with the UK model. For organizations that never act outside the European Union, this will create enormous challenges.

New challenges…

Where previously customs formalities were never at issue, they can become daily business starting from 2021. Whether your organization focuses on simple import and export flows or on more complex flows such as groupage: the changes will lead to major challenges. Import and export rights, the additional items, product codes and supporting IT systems. According to Kwantes, you will have to deal with them. Once that moment has come, there is no time left for self-reading into the matter. You too, will “arrive late for work”.

…and new opportunities

But do not be afraid. As an entrepreneur, you also know: problems do not exist, only opportunities and possibilities. This is entirely true. If you are preparing yourself in the right way for what is coming, you are one step ahead of the competition. In the same Rabobank* article, customs specialist Hans Maessen states that after the Brexit, there will be a 40% increase in customs declarations in the Netherlands. If you completely master this procedure by then, you are the one to beat. But what is the best way to prepare yourself?

Brepare yourself

Alright, enough with the Br-deformations. But a good preparation for the Brexit is really necessary. One thing that all experts agree on: technology and IT are going to be very important. Customs declarations can only be done digitally and are closely linked to your logistic and/or warehouse processes. Therefore, automation is essential. You can hire any software supplier for this, or opt for a supplier who has all the logistical knowledge and experience. Including customs handling.

Crossing borders with Boltrics

With Boltrics’ customs software, you have access to extensive customs functionalities. Check below how we can support you:

  • Automated declarations;
  • Direct connection with all relevant Dutch customs systems (AGS, Transit, EMCS, GDB, Portbase, DGVS);
  • Also direct connection for customs declarations in Belgium;
  • Automatic document generation;
  • Always insight into the customs process;
  • Integrate customs processes with your Warehouse Management System (WMS);
  • Strategic customs technical controls.

Would you like to know more about Boltrics’ solution concerning customs functionalities? Check our customs specialist’s webinar or just contact us. We would love to think with you on how your work processes can become Brexit-proof!

*The Rabobank URL refers to the translated version of the original Dutch article. Therefore, the interview is not included in the English version.