GLOBAL LOGISTICS – EMEA
strategicinsight
Get accustomed to Europe’s
new customs rules
While the kinks are being worked out of the EU’s new cargo security system,
here are some precautions U.S. exporters can take to avoid holdups and delays.
IN JANUARY, WHEN THE EUROPEAN UNION (EU)
began enforcing cargo security rules requiring advance
notification of shipment details for imports, European
importers were up in arms. An article in a European trade
publication accused customs authorities of “creating supply
chain chaos.” The Shippers’ Voice, an independent information portal, reported that some ocean carriers were asking
for freight data five days prior to loading on board a ship,
even though the EU requires it only 24 hours in advance.
The group quoted an importer who said that one carrier
had demanded the information, including the container
number and seal, before that carrier had even delivered an
empty container to the supplier for loading. “I guess we’re
supposed to make up the container numbers!” the unidentified importer said.
Things have settled down since then, and at this point,
shippers, carriers, freight forwarders, and customs brokers
appear to have worked out most of the kinks in the new system. Still, there are some details U.S. exporters that ship
goods to Europe should be aware of as well as some things
they can do to ensure their shipments aren’t held up on the
other side of the Atlantic.
