IMPORTANT BORDER UPDATES – CLOSURE AND POTENTIAL STRIKE ACTION

 

 Photo by Andy Li on Unsplash

The Giftware Association is aware of the potential strike action at some Inland Border Facilities (IBFs) later this month, which can cause significant delays in the UK.

Negotiations are still ongoing between the Felixstowe Dock and Railway Company and the union Unite. If the strike goes ahead, this logistic hub will be interrupted, shops will not be able to enter the post and trucks will not be able to deliver boxes and suitcases, affecting the supply chain throughout the UK.

Our team is working hard to understand the impact the potential strike might have and is planning appropriate contingencies should the strike go ahead as announced, and will communicate any developments, as well as a potential influence on overall operations, as soon as possible. 

Please note the below information regarding the temporary closure of some Inland Border Facilities (IBFs) due to take place later this month.

Please see the full details of the closure planned below:

Ebbsfleet, North Weald and Warrington Inland Border Facilities (IBFs) will be closed from 00:01 16 August until 23:59 19 August 2022 UK time.  

If you need to attend an IBF during these periods, you must attend either Sevington or Holyhead IBF: 

Sevington IBF, Ashford, TN25 6GE 
Holyhead IBF, Parc Cybi, A55 Junction 2, Holyhead, LL65 2YQ 

Dover Western Docks and Stop 24 will remain open throughout this period, but HMRC services will not be available at these locations. 
 
As is currently the case, live animals cannot be accepted at Sevington IBF. For any vehicles requiring customs processes relating to living animals in the Southeast, you will need to attend (as you do now) either: 

Dover Western Docks, Freight Clearance Centre, Cruise Terminal 1, Lord Warden Square, Dover CT17 9DH 
Stop 24, Folkestone Services, Junction 11, M20, Hythe, Kent, CT21 4BL