Britain’s Christmas food supply is at risk of severe disruption due to new EU border checks, lorry drivers have warned. The new system, set to be implemented on November 10, will require all non-EU passengers entering via Dover to undergo fingerprint and facial recognition checks, potentially causing major delays.

The Entry/Exit System (EES) is being introduced by the EU to improve border security, but logistics experts say it could lead to mile-long traffic jams and significant delays to the flow of goods, particularly during the crucial winter period when the UK heavily relies on imported supplies.

Nichola Mallon, head of trade at Logistics UK,said “If the EES is implemented as planned, I’m afraid we’re facing huge upheaval in the supply chain. The Government needs to take the lead now on raising awareness among the public, managing their expectations, and signposting where they can go for advice.”

According to research from Imperial College London, every additional minute spent on checks could add up to 10 miles to queues at the border, with some estimating delays of up to 14 hours at Dover. This could lead to massive disruption to Christmas food deliveries, as well as significant delays for holidaymakers.

Dover and the Eurotunnel are critical points for UK trade, handling over half of all UK trade with continental Europe last year. Calculations estimate that border delays cost £1.30 per minute, meaning a 14-hour delay could add £1,100 in additional costs per truck. The knock-on effect on the UK economy is expected to be substantial, with delays predicted to cost the economy £400 million a year, further inflating consumer prices.

The EES requires passengers in cars and lorries to scan their fingerprints and take photos, with the data being stored for three years. Those who refuse to comply will be denied entry into the EU’s Schengen zone. Delays in developing an app that would allow British travellers to register their biometric data before arrival in the EU are also expected to add to the logistical burden.

Dover and Eurotunnel are preparing for the changes, with the UK government providing £10.5 million in funding to enhance border infrastructure. The Port of Dover is using the funds to expedite the construction of new facilities for EES processing.

Emma Ward, Chief Operations Officer at the Port of Dover, said: “We are doing all that we can to be ready with the facilities that will be used by French border officials operating the new system.”

Despite these efforts, concerns remain over the impact on supply chains. Truck drivers are warning that the new system could lead to unprecedented delays during a crucial period for the UK’s food industry, potentially threatening Christmas deliveries.

European officials maintain that the new system is necessary to enhance security, identifying those who overstay visas and combatting identity fraud by collecting biometric data. However, with delays already expected at key ports and the threat of significant disruptions looming, the UK’s Christmas supply chain is at serious risk of being caught in the backlog.

For British travellers entering the EU, biometric data will be required on arrival at airports, and European airports are scrambling to put the necessary infrastructure in place to handle the new requirements.