British businesses and consumers have paid 42% higher tariffs

British businesses and consumers have paid 42% higher tariffs on imported goods since the entry into force of Brexit. This was shown by the data of the accounting group UHY Hacker Young. Specifically, the cost of customs in Britain rose to a record £ 2.2 billion (€ 2.58 billion) between 1 January and 31 July 2021. The main reason was the increase in customs expenditure on goods imported from the European Union (EU), which were originally manufactured or contain components manufactured outside the Union, the report states. UHY Hacker Young noted that the increase in this spending represents an additional burden for British businesses, which have already been hit hard by the new coronavirus pandemic and higher staff costs due to the change in immigration rules after Brexit. In addition, the import of goods from the EU is also more complicated and time consuming due to the new bureaucracy. In some cases, hauliers have to submit up to 700 pages of documentation at the border, which causes significant delays. "British companies did not have enough time or help to prepare for the cost of Brexit or the amount of paperwork. As a result, the cost of customs and additional paperwork is currently causing serious problems for many companies trying to maintain profits while facing growing expenditure as a result of the pandemic, "said Michelle Dale of UHA Hacker Young. The report further states that companies will have to face another problem from October, when a new ban on the import of products of animal origin from the EU, such as chilled minced meat, is to be introduced. UHY Hacker Young also warns against longer waits at the border, which will cause companies additional problems and costs.