CLECAT, representing the Freight Forwarding and Customs brokerage sector in Europe, calls on the European Commission to take measures related to customs formalities to ensure the flow of essential goods across the EU borders.
As recognised by an EU Emergency Transport Council on 18th March 2020, the COVID-19 outbreak has a major impact on transport which in turn affects the whole EU economy, because of disruptions of supply chains. Keeping cargo flows running is vital for public health and the economy. Customs plays a major role in safeguarding the security of supplies and the integrity of the supply chains. The Freight Forwarding and Customs Brokerage sector, which ensures the fulfilment of Customs formalities jointly with authorities, urgently requires additional measures, support and communication to keep cargo flows runnin
Dominique Willems, CLECAT’s Senior Manager noted: ‘We have written to Commissioner Gentiloni asking to take initiatives towards Customs authorities to encourage them to allow for delayed and other related taxes and payments.’ ‘We have noted that across Europe, governments have announced measures which allow the delayed payment of taxes such as income tax, corporate tax and VAT. Unfortunately, no such measures were announced in relation to Customs duties and other related taxes and payments.’
He continued: ‘our members are also urgently calling for the extension and flexibility in deadlines for Customs procedures and other formalities. Due to long waiting times at external and internal EU borders, reduced capacity for the public and private sector, general disruption in transport and at the same time a major increase of certain goods, deadlines for closure of Customs procedures cannot be met in all cases. The issue is especially pressing in relation to Transit procedures but is also affecting other procedures. If no such action would be taken, additional Customs debts and administrative burden will occur, putting an even heavier strain on supply chains.’
To read the entire letter, click here: CLECAT Letter to EU Commission
Source: CLECAT
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The borders are open for goods transports! We are there to help. Update regarding the Coronavirus/Covid-19 situation
At KGH our top priorities are always our KGH team members and visitor’s health and safety followed by the service delivery to our customers.
There are many rumours and countries are closing their borders for people movements. At KGH we will do our outmost and take our responsibility to ensure continued timely Customs clearance of all the critical imports and exports, including medicals, medical equipment and groceries. In times of crises we need to work together.
We are minute by minute monitoring the situation in connection with the outbreak of the Coronavirus in all the countries where we have staff and operations. We are following the recommendations from both local authorities and WHO, and have established internal guidelines and procedures to safeguard the health and business continuity for our customers. To be as robust as possible we are preparing for cross-border virtual cooperation using and sharing the capacity of the whole KGH organization as well as prepare for remote work to create smaller teams with a lower risk for infection.
As you have noticed more and more countries are restricting travelling and some are more or less closing their borders. The information at present is that goods flow will continue since functioning supply-chains are key to keep the society going through trucks passing the land borders, goods entering the ports and airports. However, due to the enforced border controls, there may be ques and slower border crossings and clearances than usual. At KGH we will do our utmost and take our responsibility to ensure continued timely Customs clearance of all the critical imports and exports. We will also keep our customers updated if there are any changes in the situation at the borders.
The KGH staff have shown that they really step up during uneasy times and we are fully committed to take care of each other and support our customers through this difficult situation.
The borders are open for goods transports!
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