On the 24th December, the United Kingdom and European Union agreed a Trade Agreement which commenced on the 1st January 2021.
Following this new agreement, OSRL remains response ready and is able to respond to Members should any of our services be required.
OSRL continues to review the position of its cargo and travel procedures (globally) and is updating items that are affected by changes in export/import regimes. Changes will apply to all equipment previously governed under EU trade agreements that would cease to be applicable with this new arrangement.
Delays in early 2021 for cargo shipments in and out of the UK are to be expected whilst transport organisations work through the transition phase of operating under new customs requirements, (predominantly by road or sea).
It is essential to note in the event of an SLA/dispersant mobilisation, should protracted clearance times be expected, OSRL can mobilise equipment from Singapore, Bahrain and Fort Lauderdale.
OSRL is working closely with logistics and aviation partners to understand the operational impact of this new agreement and any potential delays, and to be ready to support our Members to manage the impact of delays.
OSRL is not responsible for the import of equipment under our main response agreements (SLA, SWIS, GDS). OSRL wishes to remind Members that Brexit may well impact Member operations and preparedness as well as on OSRL, therefore it’s highly recommended that a review be undertaken.
Once the post-transition arrangements for 2021 are fully clarified, should it be necessary, OSRL will communicate any specific risks to Members that might help ensure preparedness. Amongst the key areas that may be impacted by the new arrangements are:
- The import process and documentation, including potential tariffs
- VAT or other sales tax requirements
- Individual country visa requirements will impact people movements
OSRL has managed the funding risk for 2021 by contracting for all material currency requirements to mitigate against volatility of Pound Sterling. OSRL is not planning any significant procurement from the EU into the UK in early 2021, and so there is no immediate risk in respect of disruption to large scale procurement activities.
OSRL continues to undertake preparedness activities concerning logistics and the movement of goods to ensure delivery of the best possible service to our members. OSRL will further update on these activities once there is clarity on the exact regulatory environment for UK/EU trade in early 2021.
Any other significant matters identified now that the regulatory environment from 1st January 2021 onwards is clear that are relevant to Members will be communicated to the Members as soon as identified.