A REMOVAL firm has revealed the early impact of Brexit on its business after a lorry driver was held up for 24 hours at customs with delays caused by red tape.

Specialist company Walton Internationals says the firm is facing long delays, particularly in Spain, where customs officials allegedly warned the company “there is no free trade” between the UK and Europe.

Bosses also say customers living or moving abroad are being charged duty on personal items, which are usually exempt.

In one case, a customer was charged 900 Euros to ship their items to Spain.

Claire Walton, who runs the company with her husband Stewart, said: “Whereas once we used to sail through customs now we have to have have paperwork for every item.

“If you have the right paperwork its fine but in Spain they are insisting on making customers pay duties of 23 per cent plus duty of 12 to 14 per cent on used personal effects.

“We had a lorry held up for 24 hours while paperwork was sorted out and the customer was charged 900 Euros in duty on their personal items - second hand goods. The customs officers actually said there is no free trade anymore.”

The company also ships parcels for overseas customers.

Mrs Walton said: “To do that now every customer has to be customs cleared which costs 150 Euros extra and there is extra paperwork. It’s painful. The whole thing is very painful.

”We thought if there was going to be problems after Brexit it would be with the French but it is Spain causing the most problems.”

Essex Chambers of Commerce have been made aware of delays.

David Burch, director of policy, said “Our International Trade team, who process export documentation for businesses, have become aware of delays with some exports.

“What is apparent is that despite advertising campaigns by the Government some businesses remain unaware of the changes to customs requirements both in the UK and the EU and consequently have experienced delays or rejections.

“However things are slowly improving as the new systems are bedding down on either side but if businesses are experiencing problems we would suggest they contact our team for help.”