The trade association that represents the United Kingdom’s freight forwarding and logistics sector says that the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has hit the nail on the head with its warning that neither the UK nor the European Union is ready for a no-deal Brexit on October 31.

“As the trade body that speaks for the sector of the economy that is responsible for managing the supply chains that underpin the UK’s visible international trade, we’ve been vocal in our concerns that our members cannot prepare for a no-deal Brexit, given the ongoing uncertainty over many issues that affect how they conduct that trade,” said Robert Keen, director general of the British International Freight Association (BIFA).

Earlier this month the news that very few companies have registered for a new government online system designed to protect value-added tax revenues on foreign parcels in the event of a no-deal Brexit led BIFA to question whether government is actually listening to advice from industry experts.

“In the last few days, we have a seen a completely new government installed, which is intent on the UK leaving the EU with, or without a deal,” Keen said. “With less than 100 days to the Brexit deadline, departments in that new government must urgently step up their preparations, engage with and listen to trade associations such as BIFA, immediately step up their preparations and deliver clear advice on how trade will be conducted after October 31, deal or no deal. Talk is all well and good; but what we now need is clear information and instructions.”