Customs Clearance

• HS Code Classification: Every product has a unique Harmonized System (HS) code that determines the applicable duties, taxes, and regulations. Misclassifying goods can lead to significant financial penalties. We accurately classify your products to ensure correct tariffs are applied.

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• Documentation Management: We handle all the essential documents, including commercial invoices, packing lists, and transport documents (such as a CMR consignment note for road transport). We ensure every detail is accurate and complete, from the country of origin to the customs value of the goods, which is crucial for calculating duties and VAT.Liaison with

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• Authorities: We serve as your point of contact with customs authorities. This is particularly important in a country like Belgium, where we have a deep understanding of the local procedures and a strong working relationship with the Federal Public Service Finance (FPS Finance) and its customs and excise administration. We handle all communications and inquiries on your behalf.

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• Customs Declarations: We electronically submit all necessary customs declarations, such as the Single Administrative Document (SAD), through the relevant digital systems like PLDA (Paperless Douane en Accijnzen in Dutch). This ensures that your declaration is processed efficiently and accurately.

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What We Do for Imports and Exports​

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For Imports into the EU:

We handle the entire import clearance process, ensuring that goods from outside the EU are released for "free circulation" in the EU market. This involves:

• Submitting the import declaration.

• Paying all applicable import duties and VAT on your behalf, or guiding you through the process if you have your own deferment account.

• Advising on specific import licenses or certifications that may be required for certain goods (e.g., food products, textiles, or plants)

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For Exports from the EU:

We manage the export clearance process, ensuring that your goods leave the EU customs territory compliantly. This includes:

• Lodging the export declaration and obtaining the necessary export accompanying documents.

• Ensuring the goods are declared correctly to the customs office of exit.

• Handling special procedures like outward processing, which allows you to temporarily export goods for repair or processing outside the EU and then re-import them at a reduced duty rate.

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• T1: For "Non-Union" Goods. This document is used for goods that are not in "free circulation" within the EU. This includes goods originating from outside the EU or goods from Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales) that are being moved into the EU. The T1 procedure allows these goods to transit through EU territory without paying customs duties and VAT until they reach their final destination. The document acts as a guarantee that these taxes will be paid at the destination, preventing them from being improperly released into the EU market.

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• T2: For "Union" Goods. This document is used for goods that are already in "free circulation" within the EU. These are goods that are either wholly produced in the EU or have already been imported into the EU and had all duties and taxes paid. The T2 document is typically used when these Union goods need to travel through a non-EU country—such as Switzerland, Norway, or, crucially, Great Britain—on their way to another EU destination. It proves their EU status, allowing them to re-enter the EU without facing new duties or customs procedures.

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Our Expert Service: Your Peace of Mind

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Our team of customs experts takes the guesswork out of the process. We are registered to use the New Computerised Transit System (NCTS), the electronic system required for all transit declarations. Our services include:

• Expert Guidance: We analyze your specific shipment to determine the correct document (T1 or T2) and the necessary information to include.

• Document Generation: We handle the electronic submission and generation of the Transit Accompanying Document (TAD), which must travel with your goods.

• End-to-End Management: We ensure the transit procedure is correctly initiated at the office of departure and successfully concluded at the office of destination, preventing potential issues with unclosed transit movements.

• Financial Guarantee: We provide the necessary financial guarantees required by customs authorities to cover potential duties and taxes, a crucial element for any company wanting to make a transit declaration.

With European e-commerce continuing its rapid growth, businesses are increasingly shipping small parcels across borders, creating higher demand for fast, reliable, and compliant customs clearance. At European Transport & Customs Agency, we are preparing to launch our Small Parcel Customs Clearance service, designed to streamline cross-border shipping for small shipments and parcels. Our service will simplify documentation, ensure compliance with EU regulations, and accelerate delivery times — helping e-commerce companies and retailers meet customer expectations while navigating the complexities of international trade.

The Importance of Proper Food Handling

Food safety is a non-negotiable aspect of the logistics industry. The European Union has established a robust framework of regulations, such as Regulation (EC) No 852/2004, which places the responsibility for food hygiene directly on all players in the food chain, including transport companies. The goal is to ensure food is protected from contamination and is maintained at the correct temperature throughout its journey.

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Neglecting these standards can lead to a host of problems:

• Foodborne Illnesses: Contamination during transport can lead to serious public health risks and costly product recalls.

• Spoilage and Waste: Incorrect temperature control, a major risk in logistics, can cause food to spoil, resulting in financial loss and damage to brand reputation.

• Legal and Financial Penalties: Non-compliance with EU and national food safety regulations can result in significant fines and legal action.