Cornish exporters 'struggling' to get goods like meat and fish into EU since Brexit signing

Cornish companies are reportedly struggling to get goods like meat and fish into Europe since the Brexit deal was signed.

Cornwall Chamber of Commerce says some are reporting long delays or even being refused entry.

It is promising to hold the government to account, warning that red tape, extra costs and a lack of support are causing chaos.

There are fears that EU firms could look elsewhere for supplies if local exporters give up.

Cornwall Chamber of Commerce says it is worried that_ HMRC and freight forwarders "don't have capacity to keep up with the extra volume of work"._

"On the EU side, additional certificates are bamboozling UK exporters and causing a delay in the system or even refused entry; something they cannot afford - especially where perishable products like meat and fish are concerned.

"It is extremely worrying to hear that EU companies are cancelling orders due to the issues they are having with getting goods in.

"Cornwall Chamber of Commerce will continue to hold the government to account on its commitment to supporting businesses through Brexit and out the other side.

"The message however, is clear; if the UK stops exporting even for a short time, EU businesses will start to look elsewhere".

Cornwall Chamber of Commerce

The Chief Executive of Cornwall Chamber of Commerce, has this message for local exporters:

"Now is not the time to start cutting back on your exporting. Yes, it's an extremely worrying situation, but we cannot afford to take a step back at this point".

Chief Executive of Cornwall Chamber of Commerce, Kim Conchie

Cornwall Chamber is urging the Duchy's exporters to utilise its services and the services of UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) in order to do everything they can to get goods through to the EU.

Kim Conchie added: "If we let them down now we don't know if we'll ever get them back again; it's not a risk we should be taking".