Those working on essential post-Brexit freight software have stated they fear it is unlikely to be ready on time for 1 January. Keep in mind, delays could hinder efforts to get products on to shop shelves and might push up prices. The Association of Freight Software Suppliers (AFSS) said its members could not guarantee delivery because officials had failed to give it details and direction for the project. Still, the UK government insisted the work was still "on track" for 1 January.
The border software is supposed to help transport companies submit their paperwork digitally, which is necessary for relevant taxes to be calculated. The idea is to "minimise the time the vehicles, which currently move seamlessly across the border, would need to be stationary while checks are made on the goods inside them", explained Kevin Green, marketing director at Logistics UK.
Having to do so would add delays which "add time and cost to the journey" and has to be paid for by someone, he warned - and the logistics firms would not be able to absorb "significant additional costs". That could mean consumers facing higher prices.
Source: bbc.com