Brexit Border IT Failure Disrupts Perishable Goods Imports

Power outage causes delays of up to 24 hours, impacting fresh food and plant shipments at the UK's busiest entry points.

Lorries carrying meat, cheese, and flowers held for up to 20 hours at Dover and Channel tunnel crossings.
Manual processing of documents required due to failure of the Automatic Licence Verification System (ALVS).
New border control checks, introduced in April, have faced multiple IT issues since implementation.
Small businesses particularly affected, with some goods rejected by retailers due to reduced shelf life.
Government activated contingency plans and is working to restore normal operations.