Skip to main content
  • login
  • contact
  • language
    • English
    • Français
    • Español
    • Português
    • Deutsch
    • 简体中文
    • 日本語
  • search
X
GEP Logo GEP Logo
  • Company
    • Leadership
    • Customers
    • Partners
    • Sustainability at GEP
    • News
    • Events
    • Culture
    • Mission & Vision
    • Awards & Recognition
  • Solutions
    • Strategy
      • Procurement Consulting  
        • Procurement Transformation
        • Digital Procurement Transformation
        • Opportunity Assessment
        • M & A Services
        • Strategic Cost Management
        • Supply Risk Management
      • Supply Chain Consulting  
        • Environmental, Social and Governance
        • Socially Responsible Sourcing
        • Supply Chain Strategy
        • Supply Chain Diagnostics
        • Inventory Optimization
        • Network Optimization
      Software
      • GEP SMART  
        • Procurement Software
        • Direct Procurement Software
        • Indirect Procurement Software
        • Digital Procurement Transformation
        • Master Data Management
        • AP Automation
        • Spend Management
        • SMART S2P Technology
      • GEP NEXXE  
        • Supply Chain Visibility and Execution
        • Supply Chain Planning
        • Supply Chain Collaboration
        • Supply Chain Control Tower
        • Should-Cost Modeling
        • Inventory and Warehouse Management
      • GEP CLICK  
      • GEP MINERVA  
      Managed Services
      • Procurement Outsourcing  
        • Source-to-Contract
          • Spend Analysis
          • Strategic Sourcing
          • Category Management
          • Supply Market Intelligence
          • Tail-Spend Management
          • Procurement Support Services
        • Procure-to-Pay
          • Cost Recovery & Invoice Auditing
          • Accounts Payable
      • Supply Chain Outsourcing  
        • Planning & Forecasting
        • Inventory Management
        • Logistics Management
        • Supply Chain Data Management
        • Supply Chain Risk Management
  • Industries
    • Automotive
    • Chemicals
    • Consumer Packaged Goods
    • Energy & Utilities
    • Financial Services
    • Government & Nonprofit
    • Industrial Manufacturing
    • Life Sciences
    • Oil & Gas
    • Retail
    • Telecommunications, Media & Technology
    • High-Tech
    • Media & Entertainment
    • Software, Social & Platforms
    • Telecom
    • Travel & Hospitality
  • Knowledge Bank
    • Digital Transformation
    • Software & Technology
    • Strategy & Planning
    • Operations
    • Procurement
    • Sustainability
    • Insights From the Top
    • COVID-19 Resource Center
    • Inflation Strategies
  • Careers
    • Join Us
    • GEP Per Se
    • Campus Connect
  • Partners
   
  • GEP Strategy ›
    • GEP Strategy
    • ‹ Back
      • Procurement Consulting ›
        • Procurement Consulting
        • ‹ Back
          • Procurement Transformation ›
            • Procurement Transformation
            • ‹ Back
              • Procurement Strategy
              • Org. Design & Implementation
              • Capability Building
              • Change Management
              • Governance & Performance
              • Processes & Policies
              • S2P Operations
              • Sourcing & Category Management
              • Technology
          • Digital Procurement Transformation
          • Opportunity Assessment
          • M&A Services ›
            • M&A Services
            • ‹ Back
              • M&A Clean Room
          • Strategic Cost Management ›
            • Strategic Cost Management
            • ‹ Back
              • Zero-Based Budgeting
          • Supply Chain Risk Management
      • Supply Chain Consulting ›
        • Supply Chain Consulting
        • ‹ Back
          • SUSTAINABILITY AND RESILIENCE
          • Environmental, Social and Governance
          • Socially Responsible Sourcing
          • Scope 3
          • PLAN
          • Digital Planning, S&OP, S&OE
          • Collaborative Planning
          • PROCURE
          • Source To Contract
          • Procure To Pay
          • MAKE
          • Inventory Strategy & Management
          • Operations & Manufacturing Excellence
          • DELIVER
          • Network Strategy & Optimization
          • Warehousing & Transportation Management
  • GEP Software ›
    • GEP Software
    • ‹ Back
      • GEP SMART ›
        • GEP SMART
        • ‹ Back
          • Procurement Software
          • Direct Procurement Software ›
            • Direct Procurement Software
            • ‹ Back
              • Bill of Materials Management
              • Data Analytics & Reporting
              • Inventory Management
              • Master Data Management
              • Quality Management
              • Supplier Collaboration Portal
              • Supply Chain Operations
          • Indirect Procurement Software ›
            • Indirect Procurement Software
            • ‹ Back
              • Source-to-Contract
              • Spend Analysis
              • Savings Project Management
              • Category Management
              • Contract Management
              • Savings Tracking
              • Sourcing
              • Supplier Management
              • Procure-to-Pay
              • Guided Buying
              • Procurement Portal
              • Catalog Management
              • Order Processing
              • Invoice Management
          • Digital Procurement Transformation
          • Master Data Management
          • Product Accessibility
          • AP Automation
          • Spend Management
          • SMART S2P Technology
      • GEP NEXXE ›
        • GEP NEXXE
        • ‹ Back
          • Supply Chain Visibility and Execution ›
            • Supply Chain Visibility and Execution
            • ‹ Back
              • Inventory and Warehouse Management
              • Logistics Visibility
              • Control Tower
          • Supply Chain Planning ›
            • Supply Chain Planning
            • ‹ Back
              • Supply Chain Control Tower
              • Should-Cost Modeling
              • Demand Planning
              • Supply Chain Bill of Materials
              • Supply Chain Direct Sourcing
              • Supply Planning
          • Supply Chain Collaboration ›
            • Supply Chain Collaboration
            • ‹ Back
              • Forecast Collaboration
              • Purchase Order Collaboration
              • Quality Collaboration
              • Capacity Collaboration
              • Quality Management Software
          • Supply Chain Control Tower
          • Should-Cost Modeling
          • Inventory and Warehouse Management
      • GEP CLICK
      • GEP MINERVA
      • Innovation ›
        • Innovation
        • ‹ Back
          • Emerging Technologies
          • Native to Cloud
          • Native to Mobile
          • One Unified Platform
          • Security
          • User-Centric Design
  • GEP Managed Services ›
    • GEP Managed Services
    • ‹ Back
      • Procurement Outsourcing ›
        • Procurement Outsourcing
        • ‹ Back
          • Source-to-Contract
          • Spend Analysis
          • Strategic Sourcing ›
            • Strategic Sourcing
            • ‹ Back
              • MRO
              • CAPEX
              • Logistics
              • Packaging
              • IT & Telecom
              • Energy
              • Direct Materials
          • Category Management ›
            • Category Management
            • ‹ Back
              • Contract Management
              • Supplier Performance Management
              • Savings & Compliance Tracking
          • Supply Market Intelligence
          • Tail-Spend Management
          • Procurement Support Services ›
            • Procurement Support Services
            • ‹ Back
              • eSourcing
              • Supplier Performance Management
              • Savings & Compliance Tracking
              • Sourcing Support
          • Procure-to-Pay
          • Cost Recovery & Invoice Auditing
          • Accounts Payable
      • Supply Chain Outsourcing ›
        • Supply Chain Outsourcing
        • ‹ Back
          • Planning & Forecasting
          • Inventory Management
          • Logistics Management
          • Supply Chain Data Management
          • Supply Risk Management
  • Industries ›
    • Industries
    • ‹ Back
      • Automotive
      • Chemicals
      • Consumer Packaged Goods
      • Energy & Utilities
      • Financial Services
      • Government & Nonprofit
      • Industrial Manufacturing
      • Life Sciences
      • Oil & Gas
      • Retail
      • Telecommunications, Media & Technology
      • High-Tech
      • Media & Entertainment
      • Software, Social & Platforms
      • Telecom
      • Travel & Hospitality
  • Knowledge Bank ›
    • Knowledge Bank
    • ‹ Back
      • Digital Transformation
      • Operations
      • Procurement
      • Software & Technology
      • Strategy & Planning
      • Sustainability
      • Podcasts
      • Insights from the Top
      • COVID-19 Resource Center
      • Inflation Strategies
  • Company ›
    • Company
    • ‹ Back
      • Leadership
      • Customers
      • Partners
      • Sustainability at GEP
      • News
      • Events
      • Culture ›
        • Culture
        • ‹ Back
          • GEP Core Values
          • Women@GEP
          • Diversity
          • GEP Cares
      • Mission & Vision
      • Awards & Recognition
      • Contact Us
  • Global Presence ›
    • Global Presence
    • ‹ Back
      • Americas ›
        • Americas
        • ‹ Back
          • English
          • Español
          • Portugués
      • Europe ›
        • Europe
        • ‹ Back
          • English
          • Deutsch
      • Asia-Pacific ›
        • Asia-Pacific
        • ‹ Back
          • English
          • 中文
      • Middle East ›
        • Middle East
        • ‹ Back
          • English
          • العربية
  • Contact Us
  • Careers ›
    • Careers
    • ‹ Back
      • Join Us
      • GEP Per Se
      • Campus Connect
  • Language ›
    • Language
    • ‹ Back
      • English
      • Français
      • Español
      • Deutsch
      • Português
      • 简体中文
      • 日本語
  • Rapid Response from GEP
  • BLOGS
  • Strategy
  • Technology
  • MIND
Contact Us
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  

Breadcrumb

  1. HOME
  2. BLOG
  3. MIND
  4. IMPACT BREXIT SUPPLY CHAIN AND CUSTOMS
Blog Image

Impact of Brexit on Supply Chain and Customs

October 02, 2017 | Supply Chain Blogs

On 23rd June 2016, in a historic referendum held after the UK’s 43-year long marriage with the European Union, 51.9% of the British electorate voted to ‘leave’ the European Union. Britain’s exit from the EU also nullified its membership from the EU’s Single Market Customs Union, an independent trade bloc comprising of EU Member States that eliminates all physical trade barriers between member countries enabling free movement of goods and services across the bloc.

A little more than a year later, in August 2017, the British government released the “Future Partnership Paper” outlining the UK’s proposed plans concerning its adoption of an innovative customs and border-control framework championing ‘the freest and most frictionless trade possible in goods between the UK and the European Union.’

The document proposes two models. The first approach aspires to replace the existing customs framework with a unilateral model that introduces additional administrative procedures and tariff charges at the UK-EU border. Goods entering the UK from the EU and vice-versa are expected to be subjected to independent taxation in the form of VAT and customs duties under this framework.
The second approach would essentially eliminate a UK-EU border by mirroring the ‘EU’s external customs border.’ A product bound for the European market would be levied the EU’s ‘common external tariff’ on arrival at a British port. The shipment can then be loaded onto a truck and sent to Europe without having to encounter another border barrier.

However, the uncertainty regarding the UK-EU border points toward the possibility of a supply chain logjam for businesses that frequently transport parts and goods between Britain and Europe. Imposition of border checks and customs application can pose a challenge, in terms of costs and time, on the supply chain that currently enjoys the free movement of goods across the bloc.

Impact on Procurement and Sourcing

The post-Brexit scenario is expected to be the most ominous for automotive car makers and pharmaceutical companies. The imposition of strict border administration and customs tariff is set to plague the supply chains of these two industries, among others, by driving up costs and inefficiency of their logistical operations.

Thousands of auto components make multiple journeys across Europe and the UK before use in final assembly. BMW fabricates and processes the engine crankshaft of the Mini in Germany, Britain and France before its final assembly into the car in Oxford. Likewise, Bentley manufacturers its vehicle bumpers in Eastern Europe and Germany before shipping them to the UK for final assembly.

Most automotive manufacturers follow the ‘Just-In-Time’ philosophy that dictates the direct incorporation of parts and accessories in the car. Since most components arrive at the production facility just hours before assembly, institutionalization of a customs barrier is sure to cause a disruption in the supply chain, in terms of time as well as cost.

According to a study by the Institute for the Study of Civil Society (Civitas), French and German exporters to the UK are estimated to pay a ~5.5% customs tariff on automotive parts and accessories, while imports from the UK are estimated to be subjected to a ~4.5% tariff. Most automotive parts are fabricated and processed in multiple countries before they are used in the final assembly. The restriction of free movement is estimated to cause an ~8% hike in prices of cars post-Brexit.

As part of the EU Customs Union, pharmaceutical and chemical products too, were allowed free movement across the bloc. Post-Brexit however, border barriers are expected to introduce regulatory challenges that could potentially disrupt a pharmaceutical company’s supply chain.

Even with Britain pressing for a transition period of three years following its exit in 2019, the impending supply chain logjam is expected to negatively affect the procurement strategies of European as well as British firms. A British SME is estimated to shoulder an additional £163,000 annually due to imposition of customs clearance charges, VAT and import/export duties. German export/import is estimated to suffer from a potential ~£3.4B tariff barrier while France looks at additional tariffs amounting to ~£1.4B.

Although a business-friendly agreement between the UK and the EU seems likely, the economic and administrative changes are sure to create ripples in the underlying supply chain dynamic of businesses operating trade between the two divorcing entities.

Sources:

  • https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/637748/Future_customs_arrangements_-_a_future_partnership_paper.pdf
  • https://www.parcelhero.com/content/downloads/pdfs/brexit/brexitreport.pdf
  • https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/aug/15/customs-proposals-what-does-the-uk-government-want
  • https://www.cnbc.com/2017/06/13/german-carmakers-brexit-bmw-merkel-may-london-trade-deals.html
  • https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/mar/03/brexit-uk-car-industry-mini-britain-eu
  • https://www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/blog/leaving-eu-customs-union-what-involved
 

Add Comment +

FEATURED POST

...
Supply Chain Strategy Blogs

How to Effectively Monitor Scope 3 Emission Reporting From Your Supply Chain

...
Supply Chain Software Blogs

From Cost to Resiliency: How Supply Chain Priorities Have Changed

    BLOG CATEGORIES

  • Marketing Blogs
  • Professional Services Blogs
  • Pharma and Life Sciences Blogs
  • IT & Telecom Blogs
  • Logistics Blogs
  • Chemicals Blogs
  • Energy & Utilities Blogs
  • Market Intelligence Blogs
  • Oil and Gas Blogs
  • MRO Blogs
  • Facilities Management Blogs
  • Supply Chain Blogs
  • Human Resource Blogs
  • Procurement Process and Excellence Blogs
  • Agro Blogs
  • CAPEX Blogs
  • Direct Materials Blogs
  • Packaging Blogs
  • Automotives Blogs
  • Healthcare Blogs
  • Corporate Travel Blogs
  • Metals & Minerals Blogs
  • Technology Blogs
  • Awards and Events Blogs
  • Category Management Blogs

TAGS

sustainability
Procurement Software
supply chain strategy
Inflation
Russia-Ukraine War

By checking the box below, you consent to GEP using your personal information to send you thought leadership content – such as white papers, research reports, case studies – and other communications. GEP representatives may contact you to provide additional information or answer questions.

If at any point in time you decide to withdraw your consent, you may unsubscribe by emailing your request to us at privacy@gep.com.

Please refer to the GEP Privacy Statement to understand how we manage and protect your personal information.

Terms of Use | Privacy Statement

Contact Us

Ask Us

Send us your question(s)

RFP

Request for a business proposal

Feedback

Share your thoughts, comments and suggestions

Demo

Schedule a live demo of our software

Discover
STRATEGY
Strategy
  •   Procurement Consulting
  •   Digital Procurement Transformation
  •   Strategic Cost Management
  •   Opportunity Assessment
  •   Supply Chain Risk Management
  •   Supply Chain Consulting
  •   Supply Chain Strategy
  •   Supply Chain Diagnostics
  •   Inventory Optimization
  •   Procurement Transformation
  •   Sustainability and ESG Consulting
SOFTWARE
Software
  •   Procurement Software
  •   Supply Chain Software
  •   Source-to-Contract
  •   Procure-to-Pay
  •   Supply Chain Planning
  •   Supply Chain Collaboration
  •   Supply Chain Visibility & Execution
  •   Supply Chain Control Tower
  •   Should-Cost Modeling
  •   Inventory & Warehouse Management Software
  •   Source-To-Pay Software
MANAGED SERVICES
Managed Services
  •   Procurement Outsourcing
  •   Strategic Sourcing
  •   Tail-Spend Management
  •   Category Management
  •   Procurement Support Services
  •   Supply Chain Outsourcing
  •   Supply Chain Planning & Forecasting
  •   Inventory Management
  •   Logistics Management
COMPANY
Company
  •   About Us
  •   Leadership
  •   Customers
  •   Sustainability at GEP
  •   Careers
  •   News
  •   Awards
  •   Partners
  •   Contact Us

Fresh Insights, Now on Your Phone

  • Dowmload On The App Store Button
Stay Connected
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  

Latest Tweets

  • Fun at work! Our Technology interns enjoyed a game of cricket, while the TSO CIT Launchpad campus new joiners got t… https://t.co/TrYYM3rfrv

  • Join #GEP experts to learn about key trends, risks and tips to improve bottom lines in #ProfessionalServices,… https://t.co/5veQICcMOe

  • #GEP's Ramachander Raja details ways that #CIOs need to create #sustainable IT, in @TechTarget. https://t.co/ANLfkeJGnq

  • A warm welcome to our new joiners who’ve been a part of the Tech Launchpad Program 2023. Best wishes for a rewardin… https://t.co/xhBfYYhEbu

  • We’re glad to welcome our new class of Technology interns who’ve joined through the GEP Internship Program 2023. He… https://t.co/jwJcZT1a6s

  • How can organizations track and report #ESG metrics accurately? #GEP shares a six-point framework to help leaders d… https://t.co/AdrBBSruH6

  • With #CAPEX continuing to be a top priority for #CFOs, how can companies mitigate #SupplyChain #inflation risks? So… https://t.co/4cSw24jmcq

  • The GEP African Ancestry Network is observing #BlackHistoryMonth with an information series, focused on how the Bla… https://t.co/MXdyHe6kI8

  • What effective real estate practices can financial firms adopt to reduce carbon emissions and succeed at #ESG trans… https://t.co/xx7Zrh5yrs

  • We are delighted to announce @SubhashMakhija1, #GEP #CEO and Co-Founder, as the newest member of the CNBC CEO Counc… https://t.co/MNJXch4Vte

  • #Procurement leaders must develop a spend category management plan to power them through 2023 and beyond. #GEP’s Ry… https://t.co/5JxFw1UbsY

  • How can #automotive companies get the EV transition right? Electric vehicles may be the right option, but it’s not… https://t.co/WmGNCK6sFw

  • Conquering 2023 Supply Chain Setback - 31 Jan 2023 https://t.co/wg0MdRATfh

  • On the occasion of Republic Day in India, GEP Hyderabad held an art competition and GEPpers showed their creativity… https://t.co/NSHrXILbiv

  • We're proud to announce the extension of our #procurement services agreement with @Macys's Inc. to help drive… https://t.co/Hgn4uaGbW0

  • The #SupplyChain and #procurement #software market is in flux amid #MnA. If your software provider gets acquired, w… https://t.co/orQlKUZB4X

  • #SupplyChain #disruptions are a reality in today's unpredictable world. Learn how @gepsoftware has helped #SGS resp… https://t.co/jA2GnbWIBg

  • What steps can companies take to achieve #ESG goals effectively? Well, they can start with #procurement. Learn how… https://t.co/HGEfNyGdeD

  • #ElectricVehicles are a key part of the auto industry's plan to become #NetZero by 2050. But EVs aren't enough on t… https://t.co/YlEoys6vTA

© Copyright GEP 2022. All rights reserved. Terms of Use | Privacy Statement | Cookie Policy |   | Quality Policy | GEP Logo