Geodis and Arkema test a post-Brexit border crossing

October 8, 2019

GEODIS, a global expert in transport and logistics, partnered Arkema, the French leader in chemicals, to take part in dry runs organised by French Customs to test future customs arrangements that will be implemented in the event of a No-Deal Brexit. The exercise will have implications for road feeder services using the route.

GEODIS is now ready to support its customers for Customs and transport operations involving the United Kingdom, whatever the Brexit scenario.

In the context of the restoration of a border between the United Kingdom and the European Union, French Customs authorities have developed a computerised system known as the “smart border” which automates the border crossing for freight vehicles.

Since September, French Customs have been organizing a series of full-scale simulations with all the players concerned – including transporters, loaders, customs representatives and customs clearance software providers – to test the new system under the most realistic conditions possible.

GEODIS and Arkema jointly participated in operational trials on 24 September. The two companies co-ordinated to organise a shipment of goods from the Arkema plant in La Chambre, south eastern France, to the United Kingdom under the conditions of a post-Brexit export operation. GEODIS and Arkema had to evaluate the advance transmission of Customs documents, the coordination of logistics, the matching of Customs data with that of the vehicle, and the actual crossing of the border. All of these tests were successfully achieved, enabling the shipment to cross the border safely and smoothly.

Rémi Poteau, key account manager at GEODIS, said: “This full-scale dry run was key to guaranteeing the free flow of trade. This experience allowed GEODIS to prove that it is now ready to provide safe and reliable logistics services between France and the United Kingdom for its customers in the event of a ‘no deal’ Brexit. It also demonstrated that the Group is capable of handling all Customs requirements through a range of high quality customs solutions in compliance with regulations.”

James Graham

James Graham is an award-winning transport media journalist with a long background in the commercial freight sector, including commercial aviation and the aviation supply chain. He was the initial Air Cargo Week journalist and retuned later for a stint as editor. He continues his association as editor of the monthly supplements. He has reported for the newspaper from global locations as well as the UK.