-- Updated on 29-12-2020 --

The Gothenburg Port Authority is in continuous dialogue with Swedish Customs Service and the port's terminal operators to ensure that the transition will take place in an as orderly manner as possible in the port for those who operate in and use the port. Any new developments affecting the Port of Gothenburg and it's clients will be adressed on this site continuously.

We urge land transporters to have their necessary documentation ready BEFORE arrival at the port. If you do not have your documentation ready on arrival, you may be directed to parking spaces in the port's outer area. This is to avoid possible congestion.

The December 24-agreement
Today, we do not have the complete picture of the new agreement developed by the EU and the UK on 24 December. But our initial interpretation is that it does not mean anything new in terms of trade with the UK compared to what would have been the case in a hard Brexit. Even if tariffs remain abolished, the EU will still apply third country rules to the UK in terms of, among other things, customs controls and checks that EU rules on the nature of goods are met. As a carrier, you are responsible for finding out exactly how the new agreement applies you.

For further information about customs clearance between Sweden and the United Kingdom, visit the Swedish Customs Service website here.

For further information about terminal operations at Gothenburg Roro Terminal, visit their site here.

Brexit at the Port of Gothenburg – FAQ

The Port of Gothenburg has produced a Q&A together with the Swedish Customs, as well as Gothenburg Roro Terminal and DFDS Seaways, whom are responsible for terminal operations and traffic for the majority of the gods that travel between Sweden and the United Kingdom via the Port of Gothenburg. Below you will find common questions and situations that may arise in relation to Brexit.

Theme: Documentation

Question:
What information needs to be included at the booking stage, e.g., Customs ID/MRN (can an MRN be added later, and is there a limit on the number of MRNs in MYDFDS)?

Answer: DFDS
The following information must be included: Packaging Type, Number of Packages, Full Commodity Description (of goods, not just Groupage or Full load), Gross Weight, Unit Equipment Number, and MRN. It is possible to have several MRNs in the system – there is no limit.

An MRN can be added after a booking has been made, although goods cannot be dropped off at the terminal before an MRN has been entered.

Question:
How should documentation be handled, e.g., Transit documents (commenced), and related commercial documents (invoices, CMR notes, packing lists, possible customs-related documents)? ATA Carnet?

Answer: DFDS
Copies of transit documents must be sent to DFDS Customer Service. No other documents are needed. In the case of an ATA Carnet, the customer must contact Swedish Customs, and documents stamped by customs must be handed over at Port Entry.

Answer: Swedish Customs
If the transit point of destination is GRT, the driver (with the trailer) must register on arrival and conclude the transit at the Arendal Customs Clearance Office.

Question:
Is there the option of opening a transit document at the Port of Gothenburg? Can this only be done via the Arendal Customs Clearance Office, or can it also be done through DFDS (trailers could be dropped off days before departure, which affects the time period in the transit document)?

Answer: GRT
It is not possible to commence export transit from GRT to the UK.

Answer: Swedish Customs
An Authorised Consignor can supplement its permit with a location (GRT for example) from where transits can commence. Routines are required that show that the permit holder and the consignor (the occupier of the location in question) guarantee control of the goods and customs monitoring. In the case of either imports and/or exports, it is the consignor (the occupier of the location in question) that decides if they want transit to commence from that location.

Transit according to the normal procedure commences at the Arendal Customs Clearance Office and the truck must be available as sealing could be required.

Question:
Will DFDS handle the processing of customs documents other than transit documents on arrival at Immingham? ATA Carnet for example?

Answer: DFDS
Responsibility for submitting an ATA Carnet to UK Customs rests with the customer, although DFDS can do this on payment of a fee.

Question:
Can transit be arranged from Norway all the way to Immingham, or does it need to be concluded on arrival in Gothenburg?

Answer: Swedish Customs
Norway and the United Kingdom are members of the Common Transit Convention. Transit can commence in Norway with the point of destination in the United Kingdom. Customs transit facilities at the border crossing must be listed in the customs transit declaration, both in the EU and in the United Kingdom.

Question:
To which email address do I send a delivery order (for transit for example)? Can I see if a unit has been cleared or not in the same way as on the port computer?

Answer: GRT
Email address: customsclear@gotroro.com. At present it is not possible to see in the GRT system if the unit has been cleared through customs. We are working on this.

Question:
What is the situation for imports and exports from/to Ireland?

Answer: Swedish Customs
Transit declaration T2 must be prepared. There are no charges on imports (Union goods).

Question:
Regarding original documents. As the transit time between Immingham and Gothenburg is very short, how will original documents be handled, e.g. the original of a health certificate, as these documents are necessary for checks to be carried out. How will they be handled in practice?

Answer: DFDS
On payment of a fee, DFDS can ensure that original documents are sent from port to port for collection at Port Entry.
                                                                                                                  How will DFDS receive the copy of the commenced transit that it requires? Can it be downloaded in DFDS Freight or does it need to be emailed to their customs department?

Answer: DFDS
In the case of transit from Immingham to Gothenburg, it should be emailed to imm-gotbookings@dfds.com and to customsclear@gotroro.com.

Theme: Exports

What information is required (in the case of exports) to enter the port?

Answer: DFDS
Confirmation that the booking has been updated with an MRN, thus allowing an A code to be issued.

Answer: GRT
In the case of drivers with a permanent card, an A code created by a release number and unit number in e-service is required. Otherwise, it will be necessary to go the GRT office, Port Entry, Ytterhamnsvägen 1.

Question:
According to Swedish Customs, an export declaration must be in place in conjunction with transit. Does this also apply in the case of a T2a to Ireland?

Answer: Swedish Customs
In the case of transit from and to an EU member state, no export declaration is made.

Question:
How is an A code obtained for exemptions under Article 47, e.g. loaded on 30 December but does not leave with DFDS until after 1 January?

Answer: GRT
In the same way that an A code is obtained under normal circumstances. If it is listed as EU goods in the manifest, no customs declaration is required. If it is listed as export goods to the UK and no export declaration needs to be made, DFDS with need the booking information.

Answer: Swedish Customs
No export declaration is required if the consignment leaves an exporter before 1 January.

Theme: Imports

Question:
Will DFDS handle related documents at Arendal on arrival? Transit at a border crossing? Other clearance?

Answer: DFDS
Only for transit.

Answer: GRT
GRT will possibly send the transit documents to Swedish Customs. Swedish Customs will then revert to GRT with the transits approved.

Question:
What information is required (in the case of imports) to enter the port?

Answer: GRT
In the case of drivers with a permanent card, an A code created by a release number and unit number in e-service is required. Otherwise, it will be necessary to go to the Port Entry office.

Question:
What does the driver need to do in practical terms at the port? Collection of documents etc.?

Answer: GRT
Hitch the trailer or proceed to the container lifting area. If documents need to be printed out, this can be done at the Port Entry office.

Question:
We understand that the port does not hold a permit to act as an Authorised Consignee (conclude transit documents). In this case is a ‘pre-visit’ by the driver to the Arendal Customs Clearance Office required for clearance before a trailer can be collected?

Answer: Swedish Customs
If the transit point of destination is GRT (DGT), the transit must be concluded, followed by a new, approved customs document (delivery order or equivalent) before the goods can leave the temporary storage facility. Transit must be concluded at the Arendal Customs Clearance Office.

If the transit point of destination is Arendal Customs Clearance Office or a consignee in Sweden/Norway, border crossing certification is required. For border crossing certification, the transit document must be certified at the Arendal Customs Clearance Office. The driver collects the trailer and then proceeds to the Arendal Customs Clearance Office with the transit document and receives border crossing certification. These transits are not set up at the temporary storage facility (DGT) and consequently no delivery order is necessary.

Question:
What documentation is required in order to leave the port with a trailer? What type of “completion note” does the port require?

Answer: GRT
The driver will not be allowed to enter the terminal without the goods being cleared and ready. The terminal needs an approved customs document. A completion note is not required for imports.

Question:
Do the same rules apply to imports from Ireland and Northern Ireland, or will these be handled in the same way as they are at present?

Answer: Swedish Customs
The country codes GB and XI will be used. In brief, in those cases where you need to make a distinction between Northern Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom, you do so by using the new country code for Northern Ireland – XI. This could, for example, be a transit movement to Northern Ireland. In other cases, use GB. As regards the rules of origin, Northern Ireland is not treated separately and in that case the country code GB is used. It is important to bear in mind that Northern Ireland will continue to be part of the EU Customs Union, which means export and import declarations will not be submitted in trade between the EU and Northern Ireland.

Answer: Swedish Board of Agriculture
As far as we are aware at present, goods from Ireland and Northern Ireland will be classed as intra-EU goods unless an amendment is made to the agreement for Northern Ireland and the consignment will not be transited to UK territory.

Question:
I have informed our partner that they must make GB export customs declarations and link these to T1 transit (which includes all security data) if the goods are transported through other EU countries to Sweden. However, if the goods are transported by sea between a UK port and a Swedish port (Gothenburg) it is sufficient for the UK to make an export declaration if the goods are cleared through customs on arrival at the Gothenburg/Arendal Customs Clearance Office. Is this correct?

Answer: Swedish Customs
Yes, and that the shipping company prepares an SID (pre-notification in conjunction with imports).

Question:
Is it not possible to transit from GRT’s temporary storage facility?

Answer: GRT
In the case of imports it is possible to apply to Swedish Customs to be an Authorised Consignor from DGT. Send your details by email to customsclear@gotroro.com for further information.

Answer: Swedish Customs
An Authorised Consignor can supplement its permit with a location (GRT for example) from where transits can commence. Routines are required that show that the permit holder and the consignor (the occupier of the location in question) guarantee control of the goods and customs monitoring. In the case of imports and/or exports, it is the consignor (occupier of the location) that decides if they want transit to commence from that location.

Commencement of transit according to the normal procedure takes place at the Arendal Customs Clearance Office, and the truck must be available as sealing could be required.

Theme: Border control

Question:
How will goods that require border checks by the Swedish Food Agency and the Swedish Board of Agriculture be handled?

Answer: Swedish Board of Agriculture (with additional information from the Swedish Food Agency)
The Swedish Board of Agriculture will allow consignments that arrive at the Border Control Post (BCP) within the port area to undergo border checks, assuming that unloading from the trailer to the Border Control Post can take place in way that is acceptable, i.e. with suitable weather protection and that assistance is available.

There is also a demand for greater efficiency in the handling process as at present consignment waiting times are very long. We can only approve a solution of this nature on a provisional basis for a limited period pending an alternative arrangement. Goods that cannot be transported to the Border Control Post will be rejected, which means they will be destroyed or returned.

The same applies to goods that need to undergo border checks at the Swedish Food Agency Border Control Post.

In the case of the Swedish Board of Agriculture plant health checks there is also the option, at the importer’s expense, of transiting the consignments to our control point at Freight Service in Gothenburg, where we can handle both containers and trucks.

If live animals were to arrive, the Swedish Board of Agriculture would be unable to carry out border checks as our premises are not adapted to cope with live animals. Any live animals that arrive would need to be returned or be put down for animal health reasons.

Question:
If that is the case, do the goods need to be transported to APM Terminals to be cleared through customs following a check using goods location code DGZ?

Answer: GRT
Goods that have not undergone border checks cannot be collected from GRT. Other goods can be transited between DGT and DGZ if necessary, and if the parties involved are in agreement.

Answer: Swedish Customs
As regards the checks/goods inspection carried out by Swedish Customs on submission of a customs declaration, the goods can – at the declarant’s request and after Swedish Customs has informed the declarant (normally the importer or their representative) – be moved, under the responsibility of the declarant and without transiting, within the port area to an external control point (APM Terminals). The permit holder at the temporary storage facility must enter the move in its records. After the check/goods inspection has been completed, the goods must be returned to the temporary storage facility (DGT) where they can then be released. Transit is also possible at the control point if the external parties are in agreement.

In the case of checks carried out for crime prevention/investigation purposes (not against a submitted customs declaration) the goods are moved under the responsibility of Swedish Customs.

We will revert with regard to the border controls carried out by the Swedish Board of Agriculture and the Swedish Food Agency as the matter is currently being examined.

Question:
Will personnel and facilities be available at the Ro-Ro Terminal or do the goods need to be transported to the current control point?

Answer: GRT
There is no approved Border Control Post within the Ro-Ro Terminal. GRT will therefore be able to take the unit to the control point. The control point is not run by GRT. The solution is not 100% definite yet.

Answer: Swedish Board of Agriculture (with additional information from the Swedish Food Agency)
For border checks to take place, the goods need to be transported within the port area to the Border Control Post.

The same stipulations apply to goods that will undergo border checks at the Swedish Food Agency Border Control Post.

In the case of the Swedish Board of Agriculture plant health checks there is the option, at the importer’s expense, of transiting the consignments to our control point at Freight Service in Gothenburg, where we can handle both containers and trucks.

Question:
Where and how at the Port of Gothenburg will trailers containing goods that need to be checked at the Border Inspection Post (BIP) be processed. This question applies to dry goods and to temperature-controlled goods that we currently transport within our transport systems without any demands for a Border Inspection Post.

Answer: GRT
There is no approved Border Inspection Post within the Ro-Ro Terminal. GRT will therefore be able to take the unit to a control point. The control point is not run by GRT. The solution is not 100% definite yet.

Supplement – Swedish Board of Agriculture (with additional information from the Swedish Food Agency)
The Swedish Board of Agriculture will allow consignments that arrive at the Border Control Post within the port area to undergo border checks assuming unloading from the trailer to the Border Control Post can take place in a satisfactory way, i.e. with suitable weather protection and that assistance is available. There is also a demand for greater efficiency in the handling process as at present consignment waiting times are very long. We can only approve a solution of this nature on a provisional basis for a limited period of time pending an alternative. Goods that cannot be transported to the Border Control Post will be rejected, which means they will be destroyed or returned.

As yet we do not have any solution that indicates that the goods can be taken to a Border Control Post. There is no solution at present for conducting border checks on animal products.

What is needed to create a solution:
1. Transport to an existing Border Control Post  
2. Weather protection and assistance
3. That a permanent solution/new Border Control Post comes into operation

The above also applies to goods that will undergo border checks at the Swedish Food Agency Border Control Post.

The Swedish Board of Agriculture plant health controls include the option, at the importer’s expense, of moving the consignments to our control point at Freight Service in Gothenburg, where we can handle both containers and trucks.

If live animals were to arrive, the Swedish Board of Agriculture would be unable to carry out border checks as our premises are not adapted to cope with live animals. Any live animals that arrive would need to be returned or be put down for animal health reasons.

Question:
How will units that arrive on a DFDS vessel be brought to Border Control for inspection? Who will drive them there? Can a unit be brought to Border Control without undergoing transit procedures?

Answer: GRT
This question has yet to be resolved.

Answer: Swedish Customs
In the case of Swedish Customs checks/goods inspection on submission of a customs declaration, the goods can – at the declarant’s request and after Swedish Customs has informed the declarant (normally the importer or their representative) – be moved under the responsibility of the declarant, and without undergoing transit procedures, within the port area to an external control point (APM). The permit holder at the temporary storage facility must enter the move in their records. After the checks/goods inspection have taken place, the goods are returned to the temporary storage facility (DGT) and they can then be released. Transit to the control point is also possible if the external parties are in agreement.

In the case of checks carried out for crime prevention/investigation purposes, (not following submission of a customs declaration) the goods are moved under the responsibility of Swedish Customs.

We will revert with regard to border checks carried out by the Swedish Board of Agriculture and the Swedish Food Agency – this is currently being investigated.

Question:
How will the checks (veterinary and plant health) be carried out in practical terms?

Answer: Swedish Board of Agriculture
In the case of border checks of consignments containing animal products that are not food, advance notification must be sent to BCP.goteborg@jordbruksverket.se and in Traces.nt according to information on our website: http://djur.jordbruksverket.se/amnesomraden/djur/djurhalsopersonal/granskontrollavdjuranimaliskaprodukterochvissavegetabiliskafoder.4.207049b811dd8a513dc80002480.html. The importer is notified when the checks have been completed.

In the case of the Swedish Board of Agriculture plant health checks, the consignment must be pre-notified in the Traces.nt system. Further information is available on our website: https://jordbruksverket.se/vaxter/handel-och-resor/sundhetscertifikat-och-andra-atgarder-mot-vaxtskadegorare-vid-handel-med-lander-utanfor-eu

Question
Who is responsible for border checks and preparation of health certificates for units that arrive at the Port of Gothenburg? Is it the end customer or is it DFDS/Port of Gothenburg? The same applies to goods that are permitted to be transported – is it DFDS/Port of Gothenburg that keeps a check to ensure no unpermitted goods are being transported, or is it the transporter/end customer?

Answer: Swedish Board of Agriculture
As the matter involves a health certificate, this question is answered from a plant health perspective. It is always the importer who is responsible for ensuring goods satisfy the rules for entry into the country, that they are accompanied by the correct documents, and that the consignment has been pre-notified correctly. Further information is available at: https://jordbruksverket.se/vaxter/handel-och-resor/sundhetscertifikat-och-andra-atgarder-mot-vaxtskadegorare-vid-handel-med-lander-utanfor-eu

Other questions

Question:
Border crossing checks of NCTS will take place at each port of arrival. How will this work in practice on arrival in Immingham?

Answer: DFDS
In the UK it is expected that that originals of transit documents will need to be presented to UK Customs.

Question:
In the United Kingdom they will use GVMS (Goods Vehicle Movement Service), which is a new border IT system that is currently being developed and where all customs declarations and security declaration data will be stored prior to arrival of the goods. Our partner in the United Kingdom, which is a transport and customs representative, wonders whether a similar system will be in place in Sweden?

Answer: Swedish Customs
There is no similar system in operation in Sweden. In the case of customs declarations, either the Customs Data System or the Customs Service Electronic Support System will be used. For pre-notifications (security/protection) there is a special system for submitting these documents. Customs declarations and pre-notifications can be submitted via EDI or via Swedish Customs Internet Declarations.

Question:
What is an IG number?

Answer: Swedish Customs
An IG number is a reference number for incoming goods that is required for the records at a temporary storage facility.

Question:
We load loose metal filings on the return trip from England. We have tried to find a suitable code for this but have been unsuccessful. What code do you think it falls under?

Answer: Swedish Customs
Contact Customs Enquiries on 0771-520 520 regarding the commodity code that needs to be used.

Question:
What does it mean when it says that transport has commenced? Does it mean loaded at the customer or at sea if we are to avoid customs clearance after 1 January 2021?

Answer: Swedish Customs
This is a case of transport between the EU and the United Kingdom commencing on or before 31 December 2020 and arriving after 00.00 on 1 January 2021. Union goods transported between the United Kingdom and the EU are treated as Union goods if there is a transport document that confirms that transport had commenced by 31 December 2020 at the latest. This means that Union goods that cross the border between the United Kingdom and the EU after the end of the transition period will not need to undergo customs clearance if it can be confirmed via the transport document that transport commenced no later than 31 December 2020. It should be borne in mind that it is the EU time zone that applies, i.e., 23.00 in the United Kingdom and 00.00 in Sweden.

If transport commences somewhere in Sweden (loaded at a customer) before the turn of the year, no customs declaration should be submitted and in the case of imports from the United Kingdom no customs clearance will take place (if the transport document confirms that transport commenced before the turn of the year, the goods are classed as Union goods). https://www.tullverket.se/sv/foretag/framtidatullhanteringochbrexit/brexitvadinnebardetforsvenskhandel.4.1595a16515ebddfed51193d.html

Question:
We are a Swedish company that has stocks (unsold following the transition) in the UK. Will we need to charge VAT on the goods when they come across. If that is the case, how should they be priced?

Answer: Swedish Customs
This is a question for UK Customs. If the goods are transported to Sweden after the turn of the year, they are classed as third country goods and must be cleared through customs.

Question:                                   
Will you forward any information about exports and MRN numbers to customs at the destination port in the UK?

Answer: Swedish Customs
Swedish Customs will not forward anything.

DFDS
An MRN number for both exports and transit will only be stated in the manifest and not in any of the systems.

Question:
What is the situation with regard to possible sealing of the load carrier. Will this be a requirement, or will it be the same as for transport movements to Norway where we can manage without?

Answer: Swedish Customs
In the case of clearance according to the normal procedure at the Arendal Customs Clearance Office, sealing will take place (easily identified goods will be exempted).
https://www.tullverket.se/sv/foretag/transporteraochlagravaror/transporteravaror/transiteravaror/forseglatransporten.4.285c35fd161749ca47c7b2.html

Question:
What applies with regard to ISPM 15?

Answer: Swedish Board of Agriculture
If timber that has been treated and is intended for the manufacturing of wooden packaging according to the ISPM 15 standard is sold to a country outside the EU, you will need to certify that the treatment satisfies the requirements set out in the standard. The purchaser can request that you send the statutory documentation required in the receiving country. Further information is available on our website: https://jordbruksverket.se/vaxter/handel-och-resor/tra-traprodukter-och-traemballage/handel-med-tra-och-traprodukter

Question:
Can you provide the exact address for the goods location code DGT?

Answer: Swedish Customs
Nordatlanten Port 6, SE-402 74 Göteborg.

Question:
What is the procedure for exports from the United Kingdom via Zeebrugge to Gothenburg and then on to Norway?

Answer: Swedish Customs
Transit ought to be initiated but this is a question for UK Customs.