Maersk published a statement that focuses on the issue of Brexit and what the Brexit means for those interested in the shipping industry. UK’s departure from Europe means that there will no longer be trade arrangements between the EU and foreign countries and that trade between the UK and those countries will be subject to general rules of the World Trade Organisation, in case there are no other bilateral trade agreements in place.
Specifically, Maersk reports that Brexit will have an impact on duties or tariffs, customs and many other procedures related with moving goods between the UK and other markets and will therefore also impact the transport and logistics sector.
In addition, the company highlights that there are two possible scenarios of impact concerning the interested parties:
- Trade between the UK and European countries will no longer be treated as taking place within the same economic or customs area and will instead follow the same rules and regulations that apply for trade between the UK and any other third nation; Customs clearance and related documentation is needed, application of duties and tariffs or more complex formalities compared to the trade between the countries within the EU.
- Trade between the UK and third countries with which the EU has special trade agreements will no longer be subject to those agreements after 29th March. This will mean less favourable terms for trading with these countries: higher duties, different or more complex procedures, etc.
Maersk alerts on the possibility that the goods one wants to transfer may have been expedited before the Brexit date but are scheduled to arrive at their destination after the UK has already left the EU.
If this is to happen, they will be subject to new ‘post-Brexit’ conditions upon arrival.
As Maersk commented
Prepare your business for the UK leaving the EU – follow the information published regularly by the UK government on their dedicated page and stay informed on all the changes and additional requirements resulting from Brexit.
The company’s staff around the globe remains at their customers’ disposal, as reported.
Concluding, Maersk informs its customers that for further questions or concerns, they could contact a local Maersk representative.
