Picture this: your truck is waiting at the border, the customer is impatiently counting the minutes, and the customs officer simply says: “The T2L document is missing.”
The cargo cannot move on, and every lost hour costs money.
At INCON, we know exactly what the consequences of a missing or incorrect document can be. That’s why before every departure, we check the up-to-date customs situation, prepare the required paperwork, and manage the entire process – so that all you need to do at the border is smile.
Customs Union and Free Trade – Practical Pitfalls
Even small gaps in paperwork can lead to high costs. For example, during a Canadian export, the CETA benefit was “lost” because the invoice declaration was missing – forcing the buyer to pay several hundred dollars in duty.
The INCON solution: for preferential trade relations, we proactively arrange and verify certificates of origin (EUR.1 or invoice declarations) so that the preferential treatment actually applies.
EU Member States Where Customs Still Applies
Not all EU member states automatically follow the same customs clearance rules. The Canary Islands, Ceuta and Melilla, French overseas territories, the Åland Islands, or even Northern Ireland have special status, with different customs and VAT regulations.
For instance, a shipment to the Canary Islands, mistakenly treated as a domestic delivery, got stuck in port for two weeks because the required T2L/T2LF document had not been prepared.
At INCON, we spot such cases in advance, highlight the special status, and issue the right certificates – ensuring the shipment does not get delayed.
Microstates – Small Countries, Big Risks
Andorra, San Marino, Monaco, and the Vatican all have unique customs arrangements with the EU. These differences can easily lead to several days of downtime if the documentation is incomplete.
For example, a shipment of luxury goods was held up in Monaco for customs inspection because the invoice did not state the exact destination. We are familiar with these exceptions and prepare all documents with precise specifications.
Free Trade Partners – No Paper, No Benefit
With Switzerland, Norway, Japan, South Korea, and other partners, customs benefits only apply if the correct certificate of origin is available. For instance, a shipment of machine parts to South Korea was stuck in a customs warehouse without an EUR.1 – resulting in an emergency replacement delivery.
At INCON, we prepare and verify the certificate of origin on time, ensuring that the shipment can move forward without obstacles.
The Most Important Customs Documents – And How to Avoid Missing Them
T1, T2, T2L, T2LF, T2SM, EUR.1, invoice declaration, CMR consignment note, Bill of Lading – each serves a different purpose, but they all share one thing: without them, the shipment stops.
The INCON advantage: we prepare and check every required document in advance, so there will be no surprises at the border like “one more paper is missing.”
If Problems Do Arise – Fast and Efficient Procedures
If something still goes wrong, we immediately notify the customs agency and the partner, provide the missing document, adjust the new schedule, and minimize losses.
But with us, most of these situations never even occur – because we identify and handle risks before departure.
Why Choose INCON?
Pre-departure customs check for every shipment
Document management from T2L to EUR.1
Expert knowledge of special routes
Time and cost savings – no unexpected fees, no delays
Get in touch with us – and have one less shipment to worry about.