Cut flowers: transport group warns about delays in Brexit checks

Dutch transport and logistics association TLN has warned that new Brexit checks are creating problems with importing fresh products and flowers into the UK.

Following the departure of the UK from the European Union, new checks were introduced from April 30 for certain products, sparking complaints and concerns from lorry drivers.

According to the TLN, which says it has shared its complaints with the UK authorities, the Border Control Post set up is leading to problems including “economic damage, long waiting times for drivers and administrative hassles”.

Their complaints include a lack of facilities in waiting rooms, limited opening times and damage caused during checks, as well as charges of around €13.50 per container or trailer. The UK is a major destination for Dutch exports of cut flowers and fresh products and the TLN has threatened that a lack of improvement will lead to higher prices.

According to Dutch statistics office CBS, Dutch exports of goods to the United Kingdom were worth €40.5 billion in 2021, dropping a fifth on 2019, when the country was still part of the EU.