The Port of Hamburg is one of the most important transshipment points for goods in Europe and is the gateway to the world. Security is paramount, and that includes thorough customs and security checks. Every container entering or leaving the port can potentially be inspected - this is an essential part of international trade. But for freight forwarders and importers, delays caused by customs inspections can be problematic as they can lead to significant additional costs and lost time. How can these be avoided?

How do port security inspections work?

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

The focus here is on:

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

One of the biggest challenges for freight forwarders is that these checks can be unannounced and random, which makes planning more difficult.

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The most common reasons for delays

There are a variety of reasons why a container may need to undergo an additional customs or security inspection. The most common reasons include:

1. Incomplete or incorrect documentation: Even small errors in the customs documents can lead to a container being detained.
2. Suspicion of dangerous or illegal goods: goods that are considered high-risk in international warning systems are particularly likely to be subject to closer scrutiny.
3. Discrepancies in the freight description: If the customs officials discover that the goods described in the documents do not match the actual contents, the container is examined more closely.

How can delays be prevented?

Although there is no guarantee that a container will not be inspected, there are some steps that 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 regulations carefully and submit the documents in good time and in full.
• Working with an experienced customs broker: An experienced customs broker knows the specific requirements of each country and can help avoid mistakes during the declaration process.
• Regular checks of the freight before loading: Before the freight is loaded into the container, it should be checked for compliance with international safety standards.