VDA and BGL Express Concern Over Current Border Controls

The Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) and the Federal Association of Goods Transport, Logistics and Disposal (BGL) are deeply concerned about the impact of the planned border controls at the German-Czech and German-Austrian borders. Production lines could come to a standstill within just a few hours, and supermarket shelves risk being left empty.

(Frankfurt/Main) The Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) and the Federal Association of Goods Transport, Logistics and Disposal (BGL) are deeply concerned about the impact of the planned border controls at the German-Czech and German-Austrian borders. VDA and BGL propose that self-administered rapid tests for drivers be accepted without a medical certificate until sufficient testing capacities are available at the borders. Only in this way can a disruption of the supply chain, leading to subsequent production stoppages in automotive plants and supply shortages in retail, be prevented.

Automotive Production is Just-in-Time Supplied

Hildegard Müller, President of the Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA), emphasizes: “Many parts for automotive production at German locations are delivered just-in-time or just-in-sequence directly to the assembly line from Austria and the Czech Republic. If longer traffic jams occur at the borders due to testing and registration requirements, a disruption of the supply chain and subsequent production stoppages in many car plants in Germany can be expected. The first production lines are already likely to come to a standstill after just a few hours if the supply of materials is interrupted.” Unlike in spring 2020, when companies had a ‘warning period’ of two to three weeks before deliveries from Italy ceased, allowing them to increase their parts inventory in advance, the decision now comes as a surprise and poses enormous challenges for manufacturers, suppliers, and the logistics industry. The Czech Republic is at least as important for car production in German plants as Northern Italy.

Practical Testing Strategy for Goods Transport

BGL spokesperson Prof. Dr. Dirk Engelhardt underscores: “BGL urgently demands a practical testing strategy for goods transport. Anyone who demands negative COVID-19 tests for goods transport without exception before entry must also specify where these tests can be conducted. In addition to the testing centers that must be established immediately at the borders, rapid tests for truck drivers should be accepted without a medical certificate. Otherwise, not only will many supermarket shelves remain empty due to the lack of truck drivers, but the production lines, especially in the automotive industry, will also come to a halt because they can no longer be supplied.”
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