On Wednesday, a critical IT system failure at the Brexit border caused major disruptions and delays of over 24 hours for fresh food imports from the European Union. The chaos unfolded at the Port of Dover, the busiest border crossing point in the country.
Manual Processing Grinds Things to a Halt
A crucial software system unexpectedly crashed, forcing Brexit border officials to resort to manual processing of paperwork for a range of perishable goods, including meat, cheese, fresh produce, and flowers. This incident came shortly after the implementation of the UK government’s promised “world-class” new border processes.
Rerouting Imports Adds to the Confusion
In late April, physical checks on food and plant imports from the EU began, redirecting these shipments to a new border control post located 22 miles inland. This change in procedures only added to the confusion and delays experienced by importers.
Traders Negatively Impacted
Businesses like the renowned cheese shop La Fromagerie and the Fresh Produce Consortium faced significant challenges due to the border chaos. Traders reported being severely impacted, with delays persisting for three days after the initial IT system failure.
Restoring Systems Proves Difficult
Despite efforts to restore the critical software systems, the disruptions continued to affect import processing long after the initial crash. The prolonged delays highlighted the fragility of the new border infrastructure and the need for robust contingency planning.
As the UK continues to navigate the post-Brexit landscape, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of reliable technology and efficient Brexit border management in maintaining the smooth flow of goods and preserving the livelihoods of businesses on both sides of the Channel.
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