Customs brokerage – your partner for seamless cross-border trade

As a customs service provider, we offer comprehensive customs brokerage that ensure your goods move smoothly and efficiently across international borders.

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Experienced customs broker for holistic service

Our team of experienced customs brokers takes care of all the necessary formalities and compliance requirements to minimize delays and facilitate international trade. As a customs service provider, Rhenus offers a wide range of customs services, including export andimport procedures, custody and bonded warehousing, customs advice, automatedsoftware solutions, and related services such as tax advice and fiscal representation.

Since global transport chains often extend beyond customs territories, our expertise in customs clearance and our in-depth understanding of national and international trade regulations are essential for the smooth and rapid shipment of your goods. 

Our services

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Export

As an authorized customs broker, we submit the necessary customs export declarations and supporting documents to relevant government authorities (such as customs and tax agencies) on your behalf when exporting your goods.

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Import

When importing goods, we submit the mandatory import declaration and supporting documents to the customs authorities on your behalf. Additionally, to streamline your border crossing, we can assist with paying required customs duties, excises, and taxes.

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Transit

Transit is a customs procedure to allow uncleared goods to be moved under customs control across borders and countries. As an authorized operator, we can fulfill the required transit declarations and offer financial services to cover the required guarantee to secure all potential customs debts.

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Special customs procedures

Customs special procedures enable the temporary use, processing, or repair of goods with partial or full duty relief, or duty suspension. Our customs broker handles the necessary customs declarations for inward/outward processing, warehousing, and temporary admission.

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Customs-related services

Our services also include various tax advisory services, such as tax registration, tax returns, Intrastat and sales lists for tax refunds.

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Storage

Depending on your needs, your goods can be stored in our bonded warehouses, duty unpaid, safe, theft-proof and protected from the weather, until they continue their journey to their destination. As an authorized consignor, we can process goods at authorized locations without being on site ourselves and also include third parties in this processing.

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Customs consultancy

You receive comprehensive advice and support on all customs matters, including the use of free trade agreements and the optimization of customs costs.

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Document management

Automated systems and experienced specialists ensure the correct and timely processing of all necessary documents.

Digital processing and comprehensive advice

To optimize your trade strategy, we develop customized solutions as a customs service provider. Through our specialists, we can offer you support in every area, from the implementation of the required customs procedure to the application for customs permits. Our customs agents support you in all challenges, such as customs valuation, rules of origin and classification, free trade agreements or IOSS (Import One-Stop-Shop). To facilitate your international trade, our customs consultants guide you through the correct customs application process, such as electronic customs declarations and binding tariff information, binding origin information or customs permits. We support you with your due diligence, regulatory reviews, approval landscape and more to ensure compliance in international trade. 
Our software solutions offer seamless connectivity, ensuring high compliance and transparency. The all-in-one customs management system automates customs and risk management processes. Using your documents and data, we handle customs clearance at the origin and destination. Based on your ERP system and workflow, we provide various integration options and reporting tools. For international trading, it's essential to screen all parties against relevant sanction lists. Our customs engineers can integrate our denied party screening tool with your ERP system to ensure full compliance. 

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Benefits

With comprehensive customs brokerage services, you benefit from secure processing of your customs formalities by current legislation.

Get your customs brokerage services processed quickly and efficiently with the help of our experts.

Thanks to regular training, our customs experts are always up to date. This ensures that your customs formalities are always in accordance with the law.

Why choose Rhenus

  • Holistic customs brokerage service: The customs experts at Rhenus will support you in all matters of compliance. For instance, we make sure that all anti-terrorism regulations and trade restrictions are observed.
  • Worldwide customs network: With our certified customs operations and procedures, quick and compliant solutions are easily implemented.
  • Innovation and digitalization: We ensure a fast and transparent flow of goods with our digital solutions.
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Do you need support with your customs brokerage challenges?

Whether you are looking to enter new markets or optimize existing processes, our experts are there for you.

Frequently asked questions

The duration of the customs clearance process varies based on the destination country, the nature of the goods being exported, and other influencing factors. However, you can expedite the process by ensuring comprehensive and accurate documentation of your shipment. Our customs experts are available to provide a detailed assessment tailored to your specific requirements.

We provide comprehensive support for all essential import, export and transit processes. In addition, we specialize in handling complex customs procedures and prepare further necessary export documents such as ATR or EUR1. 

Our end-to-end customs clearance services span multiple countries. By using our proprietary software, we seamlessly leverage the same data for export and transit to facilitate import clearance at destination, ensuring efficiency and consistency throughout the entire process.  

Yes, we can assist with customs warehousing and temporary storage needs. We offer options for short-term storage as well as longer-term solutions through customs-controlled facilities.

Customs duties vary depending on the type and value of the goods, as well as the country of origin and destination. They are made up of various components.

Import sales tax is levied on the value of the goods and is based on the respective tax rates of the destination country. Rhenus' handling fees, on the other hand, vary depending on the service provided. Additional fees may apply for special customs procedures or documentation, such as for perishable or dangerous goods. If the goods need to be stored temporarily due to delays, storage costs may also apply.

Depending on the type of goods you import or export, you may need to comply with special customs regulations and requirements. To determine which ones apply to your product, you first need the customs tariff number (HS code). You can find this out using the customs tariff database (TARIC) or from the customs office. With the number, you can check tariffs, import restrictions and other regulations in TARIC. You can also clarify technical requirements, for example, through the EU's Product Contact Points. If you are unsure, our customs experts will be happy to help you.

If your shipment is held up at customs, you will usually receive a notification from the customs office or the responsible customs service provider, usually by post or email. Additional documents such as a detailed invoice, a certificate of origin or a declaration of the value of the goods are often required to complete customs clearance. In addition, the corresponding customs duties and taxes must be paid. Thanks to our deferment account, this can be done without delay. As soon as all the documents are available and the fees have been paid, the shipment is released and can be transported further.

If the necessary steps are not taken in a timely manner, the shipment may be returned to the sender or, in exceptional cases, destroyed. We therefore recommend that you provide the required documents immediately upon notification and, if necessary, contact us or the customs authorities.