The EU’s new entry/exit system (EES), which would impose new checks on travellers from the UK into the bloc, is reportedly set to be delayed again.
‘Last resort’ and ‘relief valve’
The Independent reports that the system will be delayed from its previous implementation date of 6 October to 10 November, with a “last resort” extension to 17 November should it be required. It was originally scheduled to launch in 2021.
The bloc is also said to be planning a “relief valve” provision, in which new biometric checks required of passengers could be waived if queues become too large at border crossings.
The Independent previously reported in 2022 that the checks could make the process of crossing the border “up to four times longer” for British travellers.
‘Existential risk’
In May, we noted a warning from then-foreign secretary Lord David Cameron that the system could have major implications for those moving between the UK and EU. He said that, after the issue of the war in Ukraine, the system was “point two or three” on the agenda of his meetings with EU ministers.
Earlier this year, the Port of Dover and ferry companies including Irish Ferries and P&O delivered written evidence to the European Scrutiny Committee. This flagged a risk to supply chains as a result of the system:
“[There is an] existential risk facing critical supply chains, businesses, communities, and the tourism economy of nations on both sides of the Channel from the current lack of appropriate regime for the introduction of the EU EES.”
The European Commission explains that EES is an “automated IT system for registering travellers from third-countries, both short-stay visa holders and visa exempt travellers, each time they cross an EU external border”.
Those travelling will be required to register biometric data, as well as their name and passport details, in person at Dover or St. Pancras stations – where the Eurostar services operate – to be allowed to enter or exit the EU.
The Chartered Institute perspective
Matt Vick, a trade and customs expert at the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade, said that “the first thing to stress is that we need confirmation from the EU Commission on this, and until then it is slightly speculative”.
“However, should the delay be implemented, it will be welcome news for freight operators and passengers alike, especially as we enter holidays seasons that would have increased the volume of traffic through the key locations like Dover.
“It is not a full waiver though and, though delayed, the EES is still going to be implemented eventually and it will undoubtedly affect transit times to and from the continent once it does.”
After peak season
According to reporting by the Guardian, the Eurostar train operator has said that the new checks will add only seconds onto the wait time in queues to cross the border, but has advised that passengers should still arrive earlier to compensate for the increased checks.
ACI Europe, a trade body for European airports, had already called for the reconsideration of the October deadline for implementation of the checks, which it argued came too soon after the peak season for flights.
