• HMRC Updates Port Approval Infrastructure Requirements
• Technical and Managerial Skills Gaps Remain a Priority for Logistics
• First Fully Digital ATA Carnet Issued for UK Logistics

July 3rd 2026

📌 HMRC Updates Port Approval Infrastructure Requirements

UK port operators may need to prepare for significant operational and administrative changes following the release of an HMRC policy paper outlining updates to port approvals legislation. Under the updated requirements, border locations will have responsibility for ensuring that appropriate customs infrastructure is available to support required checks.

The policy is particularly relevant to high-volume or space-constrained gateways where on-site facilities may not be sufficient to conduct necessary border checks. In such cases, ports may be required to establish and maintain equivalent inspection infrastructure at an approved off-site location.

The changes should be viewed in the context of the phased withdrawal of government-operated Inland Border Facilities, which have previously supported off-port traffic flows. As these arrangements evolve, port operators will need to assess the operational, financial, and compliance implications of meeting future infrastructure requirements.

📌 Technical and Managerial Skills Gaps Remain a Priority for Logistics

According to Logistics UK’s 2026 Employment and Skills Report, published at the Multimodal exhibition, the sector’s workforce priorities are continuing to evolve. While the driver shortages experienced in the early 2020s have stabilised, the report highlights growing demand for technical, managerial, and specialist data skills.

This shift reflects the increasing role of digital systems, green fleet management, and automated customs data in modern supply chains. Industry bodies continue to emphasise the importance of upskilling existing employees, particularly given the age profile of the workforce. With over 61% of HGV drivers and nearly half of warehouse managers aged 45 or older, investment in skills development will be important to support future productivity and resilience.

📌 First Fully Digital ATA Carnet Issued for UK Logistics

The Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce has issued the UK’s first fully digital ATA Carnet on behalf of Jaguar Land Rover, marking an important step in the continued modernisation of temporary goods movement processes.

The digital ATA Carnet replaces traditional paper-based documentation with a secure mobile application using QR codes to support customs validation. The rollout, which went live in June across the UK, EU, Switzerland, and Norway, is expected to help reduce manual processing errors and support more efficient border procedures for businesses moving freight, exhibition equipment, and commercial samples internationally.