1st January 2022 brought with it not only the new year but also the implementation of long-awaited Brexit import controls. As Europe’s first intelligent B2B online marketplace, ShelfNow shares how it is supporting producers and buyers to navigate the new import controls.
The transition into a post-Brexit economy has been an ongoing challenge for many SMEs to adjust to, especially for international traders. In order to fully prepare for the implementation of the new controls, ShelfNow has appointed a financial and legal specialist to support logistics and ensure compliance with the new trading requirements from ShelfNow’s European and British partners.
In addition, ShelfNow has been closely liaising with The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, The Department for International Trade, The European Union Shipping Controls Department, and The Soil Association in order to understand exactly what is required of them in order to continue trading with Europe. As a result, they have been able to offer clarity as well as a comprehensive logistical plan for their partners, making sure that they are following the new government guidelines with minimal complications.
Many ShelfNow partners have been preparing for the new protocols by updating their labeling and certifications. At the same time, ShelfNow has ensured that it is continuing to offer open communication and assistance to its producers and buyers by handling all aspects of customer service including fulfillment of orders, account management, automated payments, and invoicing. Through managing these areas, ShelfNow allows its producer partners to take a more hands off approach to trading and enable them to spend more time focusing on business development.
ShelfNow predicts that trading with the EU in 2022 will be a learning curve for all involved. Due to the staggered development of trading regulations, it is optimistic that all of its partners will adapt particularly well to the new changes with ShelfNow’s ongoing assistance.
Philip Linardos, Co-founder and CEO of ShelfNow, said: “At ShelfNow we aim to maintain a strong trading relationship with European businesses over the coming year and so we try hard to minimise the paperwork, confusion and complex logistics for all of our partners. As a company we are focused on innovating wholesale and making trade as efficient, sustainable and simple as possible and providing trading solutions for the food and beverage industry in a post-Brexit economy is a huge part of this. Over the next twelve months, we’re excited to continue working closely with our existing EU partners and to also expand our services into additional European markets.”
