UK businesses seek grace period to adjust to post-Brexit rules

Britain’s biggest business lobby group called on the European Union to delay introducing new customs checks after Brexit because firms haven’t had enough time to prepare amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The Confederation of British Industry, which represents 190,000 businesses, is also asking for companies to be given a grace period to comply with new paperwork that will be required at the end of the year whether or not the U.K. and EU reach a trade deal.

With less than 14 days to go before Britain leaves the EU’s single market, firms are still in the dark as to what the future trading relationship with the bloc will look like—raising the threat of widespread disruption on Jan. 1.

“With time so short, both sides need to take steps to minimize disruption no matter the outcome,” the CBI said in a report published Friday setting out its demands for business. “Without them, much of the progress made recovering from the pandemic will be lost.”

Asked whether companies will be given leeway to cope with new Brexit requirements, Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove told Parliament on Thursday: “We want to make sure there can be a smooth glide path for businesses.”

The U.K. government has said 7,000-truck-long queues could form around ports in a reasonable worst case scenario because businesses haven’t prepared, threatening food supplies and causing havoc for just-in-time manufacturers.

Even if an accord is struck, firms will have to prove the origin of their goods to benefit from tariff-free trade, and the CBI said companies should be given a one-year grace period to meet this requirement. The CBI also called for a one-year easement which would allow U.K. products certified in Britain to be sold in the EU.

The U.K. government has consistently ruled out extending the Brexit transition period, but has taken unilateral actions—such as phasing-in post-Brexit import procedures over six months—to try to minimize the upheaval firms face.

The CBI isn’t alone in calling for more time to adjust. On Wednesday, the British meat industry said the government should negotiate an “orientation phase.”