The EU said its EES was an advanced system that digitally recorded the entries and exits of non-EU nationals travelling to 29 European countries, including Schengen Associated ones, for short stays.
It will capture biometric data, such as fingerprints and facial images, and gradually replace the current system of passport stamping.
The EU said that with the increased use of automated border checks, travelling would become smoother and safer for everyone.
Logistics UK said the announcement of a date when the system goes live gave international hauliers certainty, but that with only 11 weeks to go there was still a lot of detail to be confirmed.
“While only a small percentage of border crossings will need to be registered via EES and the collection of biometric data from the start date, the EU’s stated plan is to increase coverage to 100% of all vehicles transiting from the UK at the end of the 180-day introduction period,” said Josh Fenton, Logistics UK policy manager.
“It remains to be seen how and when this increase is to be implemented.
“Logistics UK needs reassurance that there are sufficient staff and infrastructure capacity available to undertake the necessary checks in the short to medium term. Our estimates show that around 46,000 companies, spread throughout the UK, regularly trade in goods where at least 25% of the commodities they deal with pass through the Short Straits at Dover – any delays that occur at the border will have a knock on effect nationwide and could have a significant impact on the country’s ability to trade with the EU in the longer term, as well as affecting the availability of goods within the supply chain.”
Fenton added that it was also important for the UK and EU to reach a workable agreement on access arrangements for drivers.
Currently, non-EU citizens can only have access for 90 days in every 180 and Logistics UK warned that without an agreement the working capabilities of British hauliers in the EU would be severely limited.