Customs clearance services

There are no grey areas in customs clearance. Work with a trusted customs agent to handle regulations effectively and keep shipments moving efficiently across borders.
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DFDS Goods to declare nothing to declare

Stay compliant with our customs clearance services

When your business depends on customs documentation and clearance work, you need a customs partner who can guarantee a compliant service. As an EU certified AEO operator, we’ll handle your customs so you have more time to focus on your business and meet customer expectations.

We provide a wide range of customs services across our extensive network using automated, standardised, and flexible processes. With a strong focus on business efficiency and customer satisfaction, we prioritise the needs of both existing and new DFDS customers in freight and logistics transport services.

Why choose customs clearance solutions at DFDS?

At DFDS Customs, we manage customs clearance for all types of clients. While customs clearance is a core service for our existing freight and logistics customers, we also provide this service to companies that are not currently partnered with DFDS. The benefits for your business include:

  • Expert knowledge: 250 DFDS employees working with customs across all freight and logistics services
  • Customised solutions: more than 15 services offered
  • Customs network: 14 customs services locations spread across 12 countries
  • Faster movements: more than 25,000 documents handled each month
  • One-stop shop: freight and logistics services for dry and cold goods, available to both existing and new DFDS customers

We offer both direct and indirect representation services for customs declarations. With direct representation, a customs agent can act on your behalf, submitting declarations in your name while with indirect representation, a customs agent lodges declarations in their own name but on your behalf.

Select from a range of customs services and documentation support, tailored to meet your specific regulatory and operational requirements.

CHED

CHED is an obligatory document that must be presented at border crossings when the shipment includes any of the following: animals, products of animal origin, products of plant origin, feed and food products. A CHED must be generated online at least 24 hours in advance of a shipment’s arrival at the border control post.

EUR.1

EUR.1 is a certificate of origin that allows you to reduce or eliminate duty on goods moving between the EU and countries that have a trade agreement with the EU.

Import declaration

Official document that lists and provides details of the goods you are importing.

Deferment account usage, sanitary checks and on-site clerk services

We provide VAT coverage through deferment accounts at select locations. Additionally, we offer sanitary inspections and on-site clerk services.

Transit documents T1 & T2

After submitting your declaration, you will receive a Transit Document (T1 or T2) that must travel with your shipment and be presented at any customs office, as well as the shipment’s destination.

ENS

An Entry Summary Declaration is required by EU customs to carry out security evaluations of all cargo entering EU ports.

EXS

An Exit Summary Declaration (EXS) is required, for example, when empty pallets, containers, or vehicles are moved under a transport contract (including empty reusable packaging such as stillages or roll-cages).

PBN

A Pre-Boarding Notification contains the details of all customs declarations regarding the goods being shipped.

Export declaration

Official document that lists and provides details of the goods you are exporting.

Defer customs duties with our secure bonded warehouses

Choose our secure bonded warehouses and ensure the financial flexibility and efficiency of your business by deferring customs duties. With our bonded warehousing solutions, you can navigate international trade with ease, and maintain a seamless and cost-effective process for your business.

Access our network of global and local partners

Whether transporting goods within or beyond Europe, DFDS provides access to an extensive network of EU-certified AEO customs experts. This ensures reliable, industry-leading support for a wide range of customs requirements. With a single point of contact, businesses benefit from fast, informed guidance and seamless coordination across the entire DFDS partner network.

FAQs about customs clearance

FAQs about customs clearance

Any registered business with a company number can sign up for customs clearance representation with DFDS. The service is, however, not available to private individuals.

Simply fill out the contact form and we will contact you.

No, you don’t have to be a DFDS customer to purchase our customs clearance services.

Of course – our solutions are flexible according to your company's needs. Talk to one of our customs experts to find out how we can help you and what the advantages of using both customs clearance and transportation services can be.

We can help with customs clearance worldwide. Our team of customs experts is experienced in customs clearance wherever in the world you need to transport goods.

Yes, if you sign up to our digital, online booking tool, DFDS Direct. With DFDS Direct, you can keep track of every shipment, customs documentation and information online when it suits you.

Yes, DFDS is a certified AEO operator. AEO status is a certified standard authorisation issued by customs administrations in the EU. It certifies that an economic operator has met certain standards in relation to safety, security, IT systems, compliance, financial solvency and professional competency.

Yes, our customs clearance solution aimed at larger companies with complex customs clearance operations has a designated account manager to handle all communication directly with you.

We have teams of customs clearance experts that monitor and keep up to date with the latest changes in legislation for the countries you do business with.

Consolidating supply chain logistics brings a range of efficiencies. By partnering with DFDS for full end-to-end logistics management, businesses gain greater visibility, reduced risk, and optimised goods flow across the entire supply chain. Contact our experts to learn more about the advantages.