Eurotunnel offers new customs transit solution

Getlink operator Eurotunnel has launched a web-portal customs transit solution, SGS TransitNet.

Developed by inspection, controls and certification speclialist SGS, it is aimed at customers wanting to move goods under the Common Transit Convention and carry out their customs clearance operations away from the border.

SGS TransitNet allows shippers and carriers to issue a transit declaration via a web interface on all European customs platforms. The service is multilingual, secure and available 24/7.

Customs clearance operations can be carried out at a customs office closer to the goods’ destination: Paris, London, or Birmingham, instead of Dover or Calais (pictured). By moving away from border points where flows are concentrated, there is a reduction in customs clearance and control times.

SGS TransitNet is aimed at the 180,000 companies in Great Britain who import and export with European countries, representing nearly 150 million customs declarations. Products with a high commercial value (luxury goods, wines, spirits, etc) which are subject to a higher customs guarantee, are also covered by SGS TransitNet which includes in its customer offer a customs guarantee (€50m for France).

Eurotunnel freight commercial director Christian Dufermont said: “This web-based transit solution is another offer to our customers in clearing their goods and to ensure them efficient passage at the border for customs clearance operations and controls.”

Mary Senigou, SGS France, added: “We created this solution to facilitate the flow of goods for importers and exporters located in the UK. We are delighted that it is being rolled out to Eurotunnel customers. We hope that this will save them precious time and help them to avoid completing complex, time-consuming and expensive customs formalities.”