Brexit at 9: Nine Examples of EU-UK Border Friction
- Arne Mielken
- May 2
- 6 min read
Even as EU-UK cooperation improves, border frictions & rising costs still disrupt trade. Here are 9 real-life Brexit challenges at the border!
It’s been nine years since the UK voted to leave the European Union, and while the political fireworks may have quieted, the practical realities of Brexit continue to reverberate across borders and supply chains. For customs professionals, exporters, importers, and compliance teams, the EU–UK border has transformed from a seamless gateway into a friction-filled checkpoint.
Have you, as a business, truly come to grips with the ongoing challenges of the new trading landscape? In this blog, we examine nine real-world examples of EU–UK border friction — each one a reminder that Brexit isn’t over; it’s a daily operational concern.
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The Three Questions We Answer In This Blog
What does 'border friction' actually mean in post-Brexit trade?
Why are drivers STILL TODAY facing delays in the EU/UK?
What is the impact of a “BIG RED X” on UK-EU frictionless trade?
The Nine Examples of EU-UK Border Friction We Will Cover In This Blog
Delays Due to Incomplete Customs Declarations
Rejected Shipments for Incorrect Origin Declarations
Veterinary and Phytosanitary Checks Causing Agricultural Disruptions
Groupage Transport Woes
Northern Ireland Complexity & the Windsor Framework
Duplicate Regulatory Burdens (CE vs UKCA)
VAT Confusion on Cross-Border Sales
Increased Customs Audits and Enforcement
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"We can no longer rely on frictionless trade. Traders must act proactively to avoid border delays. Paperwork precision is paramount." — Arne Mielken, Managing Director, Customs Manager
Abbreviations Used In This Blog:
TCA: Trade and Cooperation Agreement
FTA: Free Trade Agreement
GB: Great Britain
EU: European Union
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What does 'border friction' actually mean in post-Brexit trade?
When the UK left the EU, it exited the Single Market and Customs Union. This means goods crossing the border now face Customs checks, regulatory inspections, and documentation requirements. Friction means delays, costs, and confusion—all of which can snowball into supply chain headaches.
I’ve spoken to many EU drivers who feel the heat. They park for hours at customs posts, waiting for clearance that never comes. Friction is real. And if your paperwork is off by even a fraction, your shipment could be stuck.
Why are drivers STILL TODAY facing delays in the EU/UK?
One answer lies in the absence of mutual recognition and the lack of automated customs clearance processes. Every pallet must now be declared, with origin proofs, commodity codes, and invoices matching perfectly.
Truckers, unfortunately, are often the last line of defence. When documentation isn’t 100% accurate, it’s the driver who bears the brunt.
A viral tweet by Tomaz O., a Slovenian haulier, brought this to life: "I'm stuck at Dover because the paperwork wasn’t properly declared. Three hours wasted." Thanks to him, we now have a first-hand report in the form of six very insightful tweets, that made the headlines in the early days of Brexit:
What is the impact of a “BIG RED X” on UK-EU frictionless trade?
Do you remember this grid from the EU Commission, published on the 24th of December 2020 along with the Brexit FTA deal? It compared the benefits of being an EU member with the benefits of having the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement.
Remember the infamous EU Commission chart from December 2020? It visually laid out what the EU sees as the consequences of Brexit. The first line under “Trade in Goods” was "frictionless trade". It got a Big Red X.
Here we see a lot of red X and yellow circles. In particular, have a look at the first entry under TRADE IN GOODS, called frictionless trade. It got a big X. For many that still is too abstract and some wonder what this means in practice.
The message was clear: the days of seamless cross-border flows are over. And yet, many traders still treat EU-UK trade as if little has changed. That mindset invites problems.
The X means you need to prepare more, not less. Customs declarations are no longer optional. They're your trade passport.
The Nine Exam
🚧 1. Delays Due to Incomplete Customs Declarations
Since Brexit, every shipment between the UK and EU requires customs paperwork. Many businesses still underestimate the complexity — or make avoidable errors in commodity codes, origin statements, or invoice values — leading to long queues, inspections, and costly delays.
"One missing CN code can now halt an entire lorry at Calais."
📦 2. Rejected Shipments for Incorrect Origin Declarations
The EU–UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) allows for tariff-free trade — but only if rules of origin are met and properly declared. Shipments lacking valid origin evidence have been turned back, even when duty-free treatment was expected.
🧀 3. Veterinary and Phytosanitary Checks Causing Agricultural Disruptions
For agri-food products, the introduction of SPS (Sanitary and Phytosanitary) checks has been a game changer. British cheese, meat, and plant exports often face certification gaps, cold chain issues, or delays at EU border posts, damaging quality and customer satisfaction.
🚛 4. Groupage Transport Woes
Mixed-load or "groupage" shipments have become a logistical headache. A single document error in one consignment can delay the entire shipment — hitting small exporters and consolidators particularly hard.
🏗️ 5. Northern Ireland Complexity & the Windsor Framework
Goods moving between Great Britain and Northern Ireland still face unique dual-regulatory friction, even with the Windsor Framework in place. Traders often struggle to understand whether they’re in the green or red lane and what documentation applies.
📑 6. Duplicate Regulatory Burdens (CE vs UKCA)
Manufacturers and distributors now juggle dual conformity markings. Products sold in both the UK and EU often need to comply with two sets of standards — requiring different documentation, testing regimes, and labels, adding time and cost.
💰 7. VAT Confusion on Cross-Border Sales
The post-Brexit VAT landscape continues to cause confusion, especially for e-commerce and B2C sellers. VAT registration requirements in the EU, IOSS schemes, and UK import VAT rules all add to the friction and compliance risk.
✈️ 8. Increased Customs Audits and Enforcement
HMRC and EU customs authorities are becoming more assertive in post-clearance audits and inspections. Errors in origin claims or classification may not be caught at the border but can come back months later with interest and penalties.
📉 9. Loss of 'Just-in-Time' Efficiency
The friction and unpredictability at the EU–UK border has disrupted the lean supply chain model many businesses relied on. Companies have had to invest in stockpiling, warehousing, and alternative logistics routes, increasing costs and reducing agility.
🧭 What Now?
These examples show that Brexit is not a one-off historical event—it’s a continuing operational reality. As customs and trade professionals, we must move beyond reaction and into resilience-building. That means staying informed, investing in compliance, and continuously training staff to navigate the complexities of EU–UK trade.
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✨ About the Author
Arne Mielken is a trusted expert in customs, export controls, and sanctions, with 20+ years of experience, and Managing Director of Customs Manager Ltd. Arne is a Freeman of the City of London and Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of World Traders, committed to making global trade simple, compliant, and accessible.
⚠️ Disclaimer
This blog is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For tailored support, book a free consultation with Customs Manager Ltd today.
❓ Over to You
Which of these examples has impacted your business most?Are you still facing friction at the EU–UK border?
Let’s discuss. Let’s solve it. Together.
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