European Union customs advanced manifest rule

28 June 2011

European Union customs advanced manifest rule will be strictly enforced from 1 July, and failure to compliance may lead to penalties and / or fines.

In this regard, Spanish customs requires at least the 4 digits HS code with immediate effect for all shipments destined to Spain and for cargo to be transhipped in Spanish ports.

Based on the European Union Commission requirements the cargo description must not be in general terms (for instance General Cargo). In order to avoid uncertainty, we strongly encourage our customers to always include the HS code (4 digits as minimum but preferably 6) in the Transport Document Instructions (TDI) for all shipments to and via the European Union.

Submitting the HS codes will:
- Facilitate customs assessments eliminating uncertainty related to commodity descriptions
- Will eliminate any language issue

We would also like to emphasize to our customers the importance of submitting TDI in accordance with the European Union customs requirements and also in accordance to the deadlines established by Maersk Line offices locally.

Any delay or fines arising due to commodity descriptions will be accounted to customers.

More information about the elements to be provided in TDI for ENS submission can be found in our » Easy Reference Guide

Should you have any further questions regarding this rule, please visit our » EU Customs advanced manifest rule page.

Maersk Line, press release