Despite a number of votes in the House of Commons, a no-deal Brexit on 29 March remains within the realm of possibility. That’s why as the Port of Rotterdam Authority, we see no need to slow down when it comes to preparing for the UK withdrawal. We’re doing this in partnership with a range of parties. To ensure that cargo flows via the port of Rotterdam run as smoothly as possible, we need to work together with everyone in the logistics chain.

The Port of Rotterdam Authority’s Brexit Programme Manager Mark Dijk discusses Brexit’s possible implications for the port of Rotterdam and which measures are being taken in anticipation.

 
 
 
The impact of Brexit
 
Following Brexit, the United Kingdom will no longer be an EU member state. This means that import and export flows between the EU and the UK will be subject to more extensive customs procedures. In the event of a no-deal Brexit on 29 March, there won’t be any transition period. Importers and exporters will be directly faced with the consequences.
The British withdrawal will furthermore affect regulatory arrangements for goods transport via international ferries.
At least three formal requirements need to be satisfied:
1. the booking with the ferry company
2. the customs declaration
3. the pre-notification of customs documents via Portbase.
If these formal requirements have not been satisfied, the goods in question will not be admitted to the ferry terminal.
Brexit or no Brexit, all sea-going vessels planning to call on the port of Rotterdam need to submit a pre-notification to the Harbour Master division.
 
Ready for Brexit in 5 steps
We have developed a chain-wide solution for the various customs obligations. Each link in the logistics chain is assigned its own role and responsibility within this solution. In the near future, all relevant information about a shipment will be forwarded in advance. This allows for smart supervision on the part of Customs, with minimal disruption to the logistics process.
You can effectively prepare for Brexit by taking the following five steps:
1. register with Customs;
2. decide who takes care of the import and export declarations;
3. determine who is responsible for the pre-notification of customs documents
4. subscribe to the Portbase services;
5. check beforehand whether the terminal has the customs document.
 
Useful websites
Make sure you’re effectively prepared for Brexit. You can find further information at:
www.portofrotterdam.com/brexit 
www.portbase.com 
www.getreadyforbrexit.eu 
 
Port of Rotterdam