The Freight Transport Association has reacted with dismay to new Home Office proposals that would require details regarding every consignment entering or leaving the country to be supplied to the police. The proposals, due to come into effect next April, have been made under the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act and are intended to improve security and drugs enforcement. Data will be collected from shippers and consignors and passed to the police by carriers.

James Hookham, Deputy Chief Executive of FTA said: “We respect the origins and objectives of this legislation, but are dismayed at the need for so much information and question whether it can be used. This is a step back to the level of information that was abolished in 1993 with the creation of the Single European Market. I have written to the Minister responsible, Tony McNulty, and asked him to explain why this level of information is needed. He also needs to assure us that the free flow of goods will not be disrupted by this new administrative burden.” Home Office officials provided details of the new plans to a conference of FTA international members in September. These members reacted with concern regarding the extent of the new requirements and their impact on efficient operations.