1a. Does Customs accept and process electronically the data required for release of shipments in advance of their actual arrival so that they can be released either prior to or immediately after arrival? (Art 7.1 TFA)
Yes (Yes, but keep in mind that customs authorities can withdraw their initial decision at the time of presentation of goods.
)
1b. Can formalities for final clearance be completed through electronic means post-release?
No
3. Is physical release of goods separate from clearance? (Will Customs release goods prior to completion of all formalities and final settlement of accounts?) (Art 7.3 TFA)
Yes
4. Is full-time (24/7) automated processing for the customs ports at which you operate available?
Sometimes / Other (add remark) (Partially, non Airport customs offices have limited opening hours from Monday to Friday 8 a.m to 4p.m.; Airport customs offices only cologne, nueremberg operate 24/7; other restriction: Air freight is only cleared by aiport customs offices & road freight is only cleared by inland customs office
)
5a. Are the official working hours of the Customs office and personnel adapted to commercial needs and applied at local level? (RKC Std 3.1)
Sometimes / Other (add remark) (Partially, inland customs offices are very reserved to adapt their working hours to the commercial needs of the express industry
)
5b. Are there fees for Customs services during normal working hours?
No (Generally "NO" but there are some exceptions like destruction of goods, inspection outside of official customs area
)
5c. Does Customs and other agencies provide clearance services outside of the official office hours?
No (Generally "NO" but in limited selected procedures like transit clearance with a authorized consignor license it is possible to do transit clearance
)
5d. Will Customs provide dedicated clearance services away from the Customs office for a fee? (e.g. clearance at Express Consignment Facilities and Hubs)
No (Generally "NO" but possible for inspections if Inhouse Customs Area is available
)
6. For shipments arriving by air, does Customs inspect and release goods at the operator's facility or require their transfer to another facility? (Art 7.8.1a TFA)
Operator's facility
7a. Does Customs apply risk-management and risk-based selectivity to select items for documentary and/or physical examination? (Art 7.4 TFA)
Yes
7b. Does any other agency apply risk-management and risk-based selectivity to select items for documentary and/or physical examination? (Art 7.4 TFA)
Yes (Yes, border inspection posts for veterinary and phytosanitary goods apply risk management activities
)
8a. Are there multiple inspections (inspections by agencies other than Customs)?
Yes (Yes, for example veterinary and customs inspections
)
8b. Are they fully coordinated?
(Art 8.1 TFA; RKC Std 3.35)
No (No they are not fully coordinated, inspection order is decided by each authority itself
)
9a. Does the customs administration apply a de minimis regime that allows goods the value of which does not exceed a certain amount to be exempted from duties and taxes?
(Art 7.8.2d TFA; RKC Std 4.13)
Yes (Duties only)
9b. If the answer above is "yes" what is that amount in local currency?
EUR 150
9c. Is de minimis based on intrinsic value (i. e. the cost of the goods without transport and insurance costs)?
Yes
9d. If the answer to 9a is "yes", are those goods subject to simplified procedures e.g.
consolidated release/clearance or 'off manifest'? (Art 7.8.2a TFA)
Yes (Simplified procedure requires individual declaration but fewer data elements
)
10a. Does the customs administration apply an informal/simplified entry threshold that allows dutiable goods the value of which does not exceed a certain amount to be exempted from formal declaration procedures (WCO IRG Cat 3) e.g. as in the US for goods valued between $800 and $2500?
No
10b. If the answer above is "yes" what is that amount in local currency?
11b. Does Customs or any other agency accept electronic supporting documents? (Art 10.2 TFA)
Yes
11c. Does Customs or any other agency accept scanned copies of supporting documents?
Yes (Yes, but not for all types of documents)
12. Is the express carrier allowed to clear import shipments on behalf of the consignee without having to use a third-party licensed customs broker? (RKC Std 8.1)
Yes
13b. Are these fees based on the value of the goods? (Art 6.2 (ii) TFA)
Not applicable
