Impact of PCS Border Force industrial action between 17 and 20‌‌‌ ‌‌February 2023 at South East ports

  • the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) has announced industrial action that will impact Border Force operations between Friday 17‌‌‌ ‌‌February and Monday 20‌‌‌ ‌‌February (until 7‌‌‌am)
  • Border Force officers based in Dover, Calais, Dunkirk and Coquelles, who are members of the PCS, will be taking part in the action. This does not include HMRC staff
  • the industrial action will impact the movement of goods travelling to the UK through UK Border controls in the French ports of Calais and Dunkirk, and the Coquelles Eurotunnel Terminal

    What you can do

If you were planning to move your goods during this period, be aware there could be disruption and delays at South East ports and Inland Border Facilities (IBF). Please take this into consideration when planning your movements and speak to your carriers/operators.

You can also check IBF site availability online.

If you are planning to carry merchandise in baggage or more than £10,000 in cash and need to make a declaration

For merchandise in baggage under £1,500/1,000kg which does not contain licensed items, the simplest way to declare your goods is though the simplified online declaration form.

The simplest way to declare large amounts of cash is also online, following this guidance. If you cannot use the online service, the red point service at the ports will be operational during this period but it is possible you will experience some delays.