More than 39 per cent of British importers have been struggling with new customs duties or levies over the past two weeks, according to new ONS figures.

A further 41.9 per cent of UK importers said that additional paperwork has been a challenge during the same period, while 38.6 per cent identified a change in transportation costs as an issue.

Delivery company ParcelHero has said the new figures demonstrate that companies are still facing difficulties in importing goods from the EU post-Brexit.

It warns that the increased costs will have to be passed on to consumers.

‘Under the Brexit so-called “free trade” deal, goods arriving in the UK from the EU that are sourced and manufactured in Europe don’t pay tariffs,” said David Jinks, head of consumer research, ParcelHero.

“But how many products are entirely sourced and made in a single area in today’s world of global supply chains? The answer is very few."

Jinks added: “Electronics incorporate components from across the globe, while clothing can include materials from many continents. That’s why importers are paying more duties, customers are finding unexpected charges on items ordered from EU traders, and transport costs are rising because of mounting delays and returns.”

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