We are on the brink of another critical moment in the Brexit timeline. As of January 1st 2022, the British Government will take the following steps in their phased approach to border control and trade between the European Union and the United Kingdom.

Customs Support, the #1 neutral and digital partner for customs declarations in Europe, announces the acquisition of Bell Transport & Logistics Ltd (Bell) and Clearing Customs UK. This acquisition marks Customs Support’s expansion to Ireland as one further step of its ambition to become the leading customs partner for clients across Europe.

Covid and Supply Chain Pressure

The main reasons given for delaying the implementation are the increasing pressure on supply chains worldwide. Covid forced many companies to revise and change their supply chains completely. The aftermath of airfreight coming to a full stop and complete ports coming to a standstill can still be felt. Transportation and freight prices have never been this high?

Customs Support, the neutral and dynamic partner for customs matters in Europe, announces the acquisition of SPTT. With this acquisition, Customs Support strengthens her presence in France and underpins the ambition to be in close proximity to her clients.

Why is there gas in containers?

Containers are often fumigated to combat insects and other pests. Gases most used are phosphine in food products, methyl bromide in wooden products, and ethylene oxide. The last one is used to sterilize medical devices. These gases are intentionally put into the containers.

You only send the relevant data to us once. We then use this data to create all customs documents and to request any applicable permits. We also take care of all the communication with the relevant authorities. Customs Support’s customs software has links to all the relevant customs authorities (in 7 countries: Belgium, Germany, France, Great-Britain, Italy, The Netherlands and Poland), enabling us to communicate seamlessly on your behalf.

Measuring gas in shipping containers is very important, but there many other confined spaces that should be checked for dangerous gasses. Most dangerous gasses can not be seen, and some also can’t be smelled.

In this series, we will interview the people who are always ready to assist you with importing or exporting your goods without worries. Next up in this series is Rick Kramer, who is Regional Manager West at Customs Support Safety.

These numbers are important because 20% of the containers contain hazardous gases. Depending on the cargo, a wide range of off-gassing production chemicals, sterilants, and fumigants in these containers potentially pose a serious threat to transport workers, warehouse employees, and customs officials. The rise in container shipments also means a rise in risk.  

From Automated to Manual 

The new procedure instated by the French Customs Authority unfortunately no longer allows digital processing of T documents. The Customs Authority launched a new system called Delta T in which all T documents need to be created manually. The processing of T documents by customs agents is now also manual and is done by stamping documents.