Key Dates in The UK Logistics Calendar For 2022

There are certain dates every year that can cause delays to international freight shipping. If you regularly import and export goods internationally, then you will need to be aware of these dates so you can prepare accordingly and avoid any disruptions to your supply chain.

Below are some of the most important dates in 2022 that could affect your international shipping.

1^st January 2022 – Further Implantation of UK’s Phased Border Operating Model

Following Brexit, on 1^st January the UK’s phased implantation of the new border operating model will implement the following controls:

• The requirement for pre-notification of agri-food imports.
• Customs declarations for every shipment to be submitted without delay.

31^st January to 6^th February – Chinese New Year / Spring Festival

Chinese New Year is on February 1^st, but festivities begin on New Year’s Eve on 31^st Jan and continue for a few days. The festival is a public holiday and factories will be shut down for the period. If your supply chain includes factories and manufacturers based in China, you should be aware that there may be delays caused by the public holiday.

14^th February 2022 – Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is a busy period for retail, specifically with flowers, chocolates, jewellery, and other gifts being bought and sent to loved ones. You may see an increased demand for these types of goods around this time so may need to ensure you have ample stock ready to go.

27^th March 2022 – British Summer Time Begins

When British Summer Time begins, clocks in the UK go forward an hour, which can cause some confusion when you liaise with other countries. You should bear in mind that the usual time difference may not apply, and you may need to include an extra hour when working with other time zones to prevent any scheduling issues.

15^th April to 18^th April – Easter

The run-up to Easter will be a busy time for retail, especially those businesses that supply chocolate and Easter Eggs. You should ensure you are well stocked in good time to accommodate for the increased demand around this period.

1^st July 2022 – Final Implantation of UK’s Phased Border Operating Model

Following Brexit, it was announced in late 2021 that the final phase of the new border operating model will be delayed from 1^st January to 1^st July 2022. The new controls will apply to agrifood sector goods imported to the EU and will include:

• The requirement for Safety and Security declarations on imports.
• Phytosanitary Certificates and physical checks on sanitary and phytosanitary goods at Border Control Posts.
• New Export Health Certificates needed for exporting all products of animal origin, live animals, germinal products and composite products. Find Government guidance for Export Health Certificates here.

30^th October 2022 – British Summer Time Ends

When British Summer Time ends, the clocks will go back an hour. You should be aware of the change when organising shipment times with other countries in different time zones.

25^th November 2022 and 28^th November 2022 – Black Friday and Cyber Monday

Originally centred in the USA as major shopping days following the Thanksgiving holiday, Black Friday and Cyber Monday are now international events. There will be a huge increase in demand, not only on the specific days but also in the weeks leading up to them, with shopping sales occurring throughout November. You should thoroughly plan ahead to ensure you have plenty of stock and your supply chain is organised properly to prevent any delays.

25^th December 2022 – Christmas

Christmas is the busiest time of year for retail and logistics, especially in the weeks preceding it. You should start preparing months ahead to ensure you have a reliable supply chain and enough stock in place for the period.

UK Bank Holidays

Below are the UK bank holidays. It’s worth bearing these in mind when planning your logistics, as they could potentially cause a small delay to your supply chain.

Monday 3^rd January – New Year’s Day (Substitute Day)

Friday 15^th April – Good Friday

Monday 18^th April – Easter Monday

Monday 2^nd May – Early May Bank Holiday

Thursday 2^nd June – Spring Bank Holiday

Friday 3^rd June – Platinum Jubilee Bank Holiday

Monday 29^th August – Summer Bank Holiday

Monday 26^th December – Boxing Day

Tuesday 27^th December – Christmas Day (Substitute Day)

Other Considerations

The shipping delays and supply chain problems that have been caused by the Covid-19 pandemic are expected to continue into 2022. Experts believe that container shipping will not return to normality until the end of 2022, so you should keep this in mind as you plan your logistics throughout the year.

PBS International Freight is an expert international freight forwarder based in the UK. We offer a complete range of international freight forwarding and logistics alternatives, transporting all manner of goods by air, sea, or road, including specialist shipping. Our knowledgeable team can help you with your logistics and navigating the 2022 calendar. Contact us today to discuss your freight forwarding needs.