The Port of Hamburg is one of the most important terminals for goods in Europe and represents the gateway to the world. Safety is paramount, and this includes thorough customs and security controls. Every container that enters or leaves port can potentially be inspected — this is an essential part of international trade. But delays due to customs inspections can be problematic for freight forwarders and importers, as they can result in significant additional costs and loss of time. How can you avoid them?

How do port safety inspections work?

In ports around the world, goods are checked using various methods to detect illegal imports, dangerous goods or other violations. In addition to manual inspections, X-ray equipment and other advanced technologies are used in the Port of Hamburg.

The focus is on:

• Container X-ray systems: These make it possible to check the contents of a container without having to physically open it. Suspicious content is then checked manually.
• customs controls: These ensure that all relevant documents are available and that the declared goods match the actual content.

One of the biggest challenges for freight forwarders is that these checks can be carried out unannounced and on a random basis, making planning difficult.

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The most common reasons for delays

There are a variety of reasons why a container must go through an additional customs or security check. The most common causes include:

1. Incomplete or incorrect documentation: Even minor errors in customs documents can result in a container being held back.
2. Suspicion of dangerous or illegal goods: The probability of a more detailed investigation increases, particularly for goods that are considered risky in international warning systems.
3. Variations in the freight description: If customs officials find that the goods described in the documents do not match the actual contents, the container is examined more closely.

How can delays be prevented?

While there's no guarantee that a container won't be inspected, there are a few steps carriers can take to minimize the risk:

• Early and correct customs declaration: Customs regulations change depending on the destination country. It is advisable to study the customs requirements carefully and submit the documents in due time and in full.
• Working with an experienced customs agent: An experienced customs agent is familiar with each country's specific requirements and can help avoid registration errors.
• Regular checks of the cargo before loading: Before the cargo is loaded into the container, it should be checked for compliance with international safety standards.