Rail transport to and from the United Kingdom

DB Cargo works closely together with customers who offer transport to and from the United Kingdom. DB Cargo (UK) transports a substantial part of the cargo through the Channel Tunnel. Most customs obligations and procedures have now been implemented for this. DB Cargo, with its many years of experience in rail transport to and from the United Kingdom, has listed the latest state of affairs regarding Brexit for its relations.

An important development for rail transport through the Channel Tunnel is that the United Kingdom has joined the Common Transit Convention. The transports can be fully covered by NCTS transit declarations. The UK Government has agreed that transit obligations can be completed on departure or arrival in the inland terminals of the UK, eliminating the need for transit operations at the Channel Tunnel. For this, the British terminals must receive a customs authorization. This authorization has now been achieved for many British inland terminals.

Most customers experience no problems with NCTS transit obligations that start or end in the UK. If necessary, DB Cargo can assist customers with advice.

The United Kingdom has not yet completed all proposed customs measures. Some plans have been adjusted. From 1 July 2022, consignments of products of animal origin to the UK must be accompanied by veterinary health certificates, while this was originally planned for 1 October 2021. Likewise from 1 July 2022, consignments of plant origin must be accompanied by phytosanitary certificates, which was originally planned before January 1, 2022.

The customs security obligations – the additional notifications for entry and exit – will come into effect in the United Kingdom from 1 July 2022. This was originally planned for 1 January 2022. This obligation already applies in the EU.

The settlement of these customs security obligations functions satisfactorily for rail transport via the Channel Tunnel from the United Kingdom to the EU. The Entry Summary Declarations required by the EU are submitted by DB Cargo UK in the French ICS system. Delay of trains on the EU side of the Channel Tunnel is therefore not an issue, which guarantees smooth, safe and secure transport. French customs regularly consult with British customs about the streamlining of all common customs obligations in case of transport through the Channel Tunnel.

The other developments are as planned: the withdrawal of customs simplifications and the introduction of customs controls (which was suspended during the transition period) will come into effect on 1 January 2022. The customs controls will be tackled in a phases. These developments are irrespective of the mode of transport and the route (by ferry or via the Channel Tunnel).

Both the EU and the UK have invested in informing the business, and in drafting guidelines and documents describing the new processes in as detailed as possible.

DB Cargo also has a lot of transport to and from the United Kingdom, which is handled via the shortsea ports. The previously feared congestion in the seaports has not materialized.