The increase in customs checks through UK ports is having a significant impact on companies that rely on just-in-time delivery of goods especially when they are travelling in groupage vehicles alongside other goods that have passed customs clearance. Having the uncertainty of delays at the border will have a big impact on all goods and parties involved resulting in, increasing costs and revenue loss.
There are certain product categories that will require clearance checks at the border for safety reasons, such as meat and dairy products. But, moving as many clearance checks as possible inland not only speeds up the process for those vehicles that can go straight to a HMRC approved ACTS location, but also unlocks efficiencies for those that will still have to complete clearances at the border. A win-win for those companies that transport items across multiple stock codes and manufacturers.
The inefficiency of these hold ups can be catastrophic for small businesses. Which is why SUBZERO have decided to take action and become an ACTS facility and can store uncleared goods for up to 6 days while awaiting customs clearance.
Benefits of using an ACTS location include:
- Reduce potential costs (driver wages, fuel/electric) while awaiting customs clearance
- Goods that have been cleared by customs may continue to their destination with minimum delay.
- Goods that are not cleared can be collected after clearance by a third party if needed so that the driver can get back and rested for their next scheduled run.
What happens to uncleared goods at an ACTS location?
Goods that are awaiting customs clearance documents are removed from the vehicle so all other goods can continue to their destination with minimal delays.
Goods that have been removed from the vehicle are placed in a locked location so they cannot enter circulation until clearance has been completed.
An ACTS facility is perfect if your customs clearance is already underway but small delays may be likely upon arrival before onward travel.
If you would like more information about how an ACTS facility can minimise delays at port, call SUBZERO on 01622 834 950 or email enquiries@subzero.uk.com.
