Dear Partners and Colleagues
Kindly note that AGS France has noted an increase in customs inspections this year for all ports of entry into France.
There are two types of customs inspections:
- Sycoscan (container scanning), of full containers, consolidated containers or Ro/Ro vehicles
- Physical check of the goods either at the port terminal, or in our warehouse
These customs inspections are likely to happen more frequently as all customs clearing procedures are now electronic in France, which gives customs officials more time to institute a check.
These customs inspections will have a financial impact on customers as additional costs linked to physical checks are often very high. It is therefore very important that your customers are informed about the risks of inspections and about the nature of costs linked to these checks.
The additional costs invoiced to the customer are not the direct customs inspection costs, but all of the ancillary costs associated with this check.
For container scanning, additional costs are related to the transportation of the container within the terminal for the scanning.
For physical checks, the costs include transportation, unloading and container handling. Port storage charges are also a possibility as delays can be experienced before customs proceeds with the check and also before the customs clearance document is provided after the check has taken place.
Below find estimates of the costs associated with a customs inspection. Please note these rates vary depending on the port of entry, the terminal and the shipping company. The estimates given here are for information purposes only and reflect actual invoiced amounts for 2012.
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Marseille Port:
Inspection on the Marseille quay: 250€ tax incl.
Physical check (and/or check by dogs), in our agents’ bonded warehouse at Marseille (with unloading + transportation): 700€ tax excl.
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Fos sur Mer Port:
Container scan at the Fos Sur Mer harbour: 235€ tax incl.
Physical check (and/or check by dogs), in our bonded warehouse at Port De Bouc (unloading incl.): 500 € tax incl.
-
Le Havre Port:
Container scan: 320 €
Physical check: between 1200€ and 2000€ for a 20’ container, depending on the shipping company.
For consolidated containers, rates will be divided between the customers on a pro-rata volume basis.
We request that you take these additional costs into account and inform your customers accordingly.
The entire AGS France team remains at your disposal for additional information.
Best regards,
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