Port of Dover warns of risks from new EU entry system EES
The Port of Dover is raising the alarm. According to the port authority's assessment, the introduction of the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES) could lead to significant delays at one of the most important freight corridors between the United Kingdom and the European Union.
The Entry/Exit System (EES) is designed to digitally record the entry and exit of third-country nationals. For passenger traffic, this means additional controls. Since passenger and freight traffic at the Port of Dover share the same infrastructure, waiting times could quickly affect the entire traffic flow.
Dover is one of the most important transshipment points for trade between the United Kingdom and mainland Europe. Thousands of trucks pass through the port daily on their way to France or in the opposite direction. Even short delays can have impacts throughout the entire supply chain.
Particularly time-critical shipments, including perishables, foodstuffs, and just-in-time deliveries, are sensitive to extended waiting times. Freight forwarders and logistics service providers are therefore closely monitoring the system's introduction and examining possible adjustments to transport planning and dispatch procedures.
The port authority is therefore calling for practical procedures to ensure that additional border controls do not become a bottleneck in freight traffic. Industry associations are also warning that longer processing times could compromise the reliability of international transport chains.