No Canyons for Christmas: Brexit forces delays for UK orders
Canyon bikes have paused all shipments to the UK as the end of the Brexit transition period on December 31 approaches.
In a blog post, the German direct to customer brand stated it will not be shipping orders of bikes, parts or accessories to the UK from December 17 until at least January 11. Canyon has pointed to the uncertainty surrounding Britain’s exit from the European Union and the impact this may have on shipping as the reason for this decision.
While customers in mainland UK can still order bikes and parts during this period, albeit with delayed delivery times, Canyon fans in Northern Ireland will have no such luxury. The Irish border and Northern Ireland has been a sticking point throughout the negotiations between the EU and Britain since the 2016 referendum. One part of the “Brexit deal” agreed to so far by both parties means a new customs border will be in force in the Irish Sea. This means conditions on shipping to Northern Ireland are different from that of shipping to mainland UK and have forced Canyon to temporarily suspend ordering from Northern Ireland.
A statement on Canyon’s website read “As we make these adjustments, we regret that orders and shipments from our valued customers in Northern Ireland cannot be placed at this time.” The statement goes on to reassure these customers “We (Canyon) are working hard to implement processes that will enable you to order your new bike as soon as possible.”
While the UK officially left the EU and the single market on January 31, the transition period in effect since then has meant very little has changed. This transition period will end as of December 31, while negotiators have yet to finalise a new trade deal between the two parties. As a result, businesses on both sides of the Brexit divide are preparing for the worst, with potential tariffs, customs regulations, borders crossing delays, tracking difficulties and delayed deliveries causing concern in many industries.
Canyon specifically pointed to the potential bottlenecks at borders, tracking accuracy and delivery delays in its reasoning for taking these steps on all orders. However, Canyon did also point to the classification of the batteries on E-bikes as “dangerous goods” as another difficulty, and one which may prove longer-lasting.
Canyon, who last week announced the sale of a majority shareholding in the company, is well versed in delivering orders worldwide and dealing with international duties and tariffs. Going forward Canyon will include all duties in their advertised prices, meaning no extras charges on delivery for UK-based customers. However, Canyon does reference a pricing review to “factor in… duties on products coming into the UK” in a Brexit FAQ section on its website. Canyon will also handle all customs and import documentation to ease the process for UK customers.
Canyon’s announcement comes amid ongoing difficulties for UK and European trade as a new strain of Covid-19 identified in southern England has prompted more than 40 countries to close its border to the UK. Many processes developed for the Brexit transition have been rolled out earlier than expected as the closure of borders has turned some of England’s motorways into huge parking lots. Some estimates suggest more than 1,500 trucks are currently stuck in these makeshift car parks, delaying deliveries to mainland Europe. Although travel from Europe to Britain is still permitted, many transport companies in Europe are reluctant to make the journey for fears of being stuck in Britain over the Christmas holidays.
While Canyon is the most high profile name in the cycling industry to announce new processes as a result of Brexit so far, it is not alone. Rose bikes, another direct to consumer Garman bike brand, has also announced it will no longer fulfil orders from the UK. This is not altogether surprising though as Rose had announced back in September it would stop selling bikes in the UK due to brake lever laws.
Canyon has created a Brexit FAQ page on their website – Canyon.com
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