1. General Affairs Council Briefing Contingency and Preparedness Djoeke Adimi, Deputy Head of Unit Coordination Unit for Contingency and Preparedness (CECP) th of September 2019

2. The Netherlands is preparing for Brexit
Despite current developments in UK, no deal scenario still a real possibility
Continue to “work for the best, prepare for the worst”
Prepared for all scenario’s, including a no deal
We still have the intention to successfully conclude the negotiations between the EU and the UK (art. 50).
Minimise all foreseable negative consequences of the Brexit, in particular in a no deal scenario
However disturbances will be unavoidable, and problems will still occur
Contingency measures to prevent unforeseen and unacceptable consequences of a no deal Brexit
The Dutch government is preparing actively, but stakeholders have their own responsibilities!

5. “Gateway to Europe” - no-deal Brexit in Dutch ports Logistics and flow of trade

6. After a no deal Brexit:
The -usual- third country customs procedures for external EU border will be applicable (re-instated) from day 1.
Every movement of goods between the UK and EU has to be accompanied by a customs declaration for import, export or transit.
Efficient border crossing requires correct, complete and timely fulfillment of customs formalities.
The logistics chain is responsible for making sure that the preferred trade route is available, and the required veterinary and phytosanitary certifications/checks are prepared.
Preparing these certifications/checks takes time, and involves contact with the relevant authorities on both sides of the Channel.
Fulfillment of these obligations is a joined responsibility of all parties involved in the supply chain.
All traders and shippers/hauliers should be well prepared in order to meet post-Brexit requirements of the UK government.

7. The Dutch –digital- solution for port border checkpoint delays
A chain-wide solution has been developed by the logistics industry in the Netherlands, in close collaboration with the respective government agencies, in order to enable the continued smooth transport of cargo via the Dutch sea ports.
This digital solution allows for smart supervision by the Customs authority and other relevant authorities, with minimal infringement or disruption to the shipping process.
All businesses, local or international, trading via Dutch ports are required to use this system, and therefore should be subscribed in the new system in advance.

9. How can we help each other?
Exchange between Member States
Sharing experiences, best-practices and tools
Technical seminars in CWP50
How do other Member States reach their stakeholders, such as SME’s.
Working together to reach cross-border target groups, such as traders, shippers, and hauliers
The Netherlands, in cooperation with Belgium, France and the Commission, is working on joint outreach to stakeholders in the EU27

10. Other useful information
GetreadyforBrexit: (NL/EN/DEU) With useful infographics on the steps to take: (NL/EN/DEU)
Customs (EN):
Customs (NL):
General information campaign for businesses (NL):
Food and Safety Authority (NL):
CITES (NL):

11. Questions?