The Port of Rotterdam has, in coordination with the Port of Amsterdam and PortBase, a digital portal that enables trade and connectivity for Dutch ports, released a new guide to help exporters, importers and supply chain companies prepare for Brexit.
According to a statement, the Get Ready for Brexit guide focuses on informing parties via specific ‘Client journeys’ what actions need to be taken in order to seamlessly trade through Dutch ports after March 29 2019, the date when Britain is officially due to leave the EU.
As well as the aforementioned parties, other participants will include port entrepreneur Deltalinqs, logistics firm FENEX and the Dutch Association for Transport and Logistics.
A recent Port Technology technical paper looked at what ports need to do in order to become 'smart'
The Port of Rotterdam Authority says the collaborative approach will ensure “smooth handling of the customs formalities” that will arise as a result of Brexit.
Furthermore, it will result in entirely digital and automated handling of customs formalities, with optimum reuse of data, which will help Dutch ports retain their status as seamless trade hubs after Brexit, even if the UK and EU fail to agree on a withdrawal deal.
Iwan van der Wolf, Managing Director, PortBase, said: “As national Port Community System, PortBase has a coordinating role in making the necessary joint agreements and in the development of the required IT process.
“A lot has already been achieved in recent months, and a central working method has been embraced by all participating parties. But there’s no time to sit on our laurels, as 29 March will be here before we know it. And we really need to be ready.”
For more information on the Port of Rotterdam's Brexit initiative, click here
