Transit Customs Clearance in Europe
Every cross-border journey comes with checkpoints: T1 and T2 declarations, guarantee requirements, digital filings, and strict closure deadlines. Transit procedures are designed to protect tax revenues and control the flow of goods – but for companies, they can quickly become a source of delays, penalties, and administrative burden. Without precise handling, even a minor oversight can block a shipment or trigger unexpected costs.
With Gerlach, your goods stay on track. Our specialists combine robust guarantee facilities, advanced NCTS expertise, and Europe’s largest neutral customs network to ensure your shipments move seamlessly from origin to destination. If your company is based in the United Kingdom or Switzerland, please visit our dedicated 🇬🇧 UK transit customs clearance or 🇨🇭 Swiss transit customs clearance pages for tailored guidance.
How Gerlach Solves Your Transit Challenges
Complete preparation and submission of transit declarations, matched to your routes and cargo types
Substantial financial backing to secure even high-value or excise shipments
Electronic filings, MRN generation, and real-time monitoring across Europe
Tracking every transit document to avoid missed deadlines and costly penalties
Seamless service across 27 countries with local experts at every critical border
Priority handling for time-sensitive or disrupted shipments requiring urgent clearance
Our Streamlined Transit Process
Documentation review: Verification of invoices, transport papers, and export records before declaration
Transit declaration: Preparation and submission of T1/T2 forms with correct classification and values
Guarantee activation: Coverage applied through Gerlach’s robust guarantee facilities
MRN issuance: Immediate Movement Reference Number generation for transport documents
Monitoring in transit: Continuous tracking of the shipment and proactive issue resolution
Closure confirmation: Verified discharge at the destination customs office with full audit trail
Control tower management: Centralised oversight of your cross-border supply chain Why Choose Gerlach for European Transit?
Contact usSubstantial financial backing for high-value and excise goods
170 offices in 27 countries, connected through one integrated network
Recognised compliance and security across all operations
Specialists at ports, borders, and inland customs points
Early monitoring of deadlines and closure requirements to avoid penalties
Complementary Services for Complete Transit Solutions
Export integration
Combine transit with export clearance for a single, seamless process
Import coordination
Manage transit alongside final import clearance at the destination country
Bonded warehousing
Temporary storage under customs control during multi-leg shipments
Control tower management
Centralised oversight of your cross-border supply chain
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a T1 and T2 document?
T1 documents cover goods entering the EU from outside and moving under customs control. T2 documents are used for goods in free circulation within the EU that pass through non-EU territories before re-entering. Gerlach advises on the correct type for each route.
How long do I have to close a transit document?
Deadlines vary but are typically 7 to 14 days. Gerlach actively monitors each document to ensure timely closure and avoid penalties.
Can transit documents be used for multimodal transport?
Yes. T1/T2 declarations apply to shipments by truck, rail, sea, or air. We ensure details are correctly reflected for each mode.
What happens if a transit document isn’t closed on time?
Customs authorities will issue penalties and may hold the guarantor liable for duties and VAT. Gerlach’s monitoring systems prevent such risks by tracking all deadlines and initiating corrective actions if needed.
Do the same transit rules apply in the EU, the UK, and Switzerland?
No. While the EU follows harmonised transit procedures, the UK and Switzerland apply their own frameworks. For tailored support, visit our dedicated pages:
Start Your European Transit Operations Today
Moving goods across Europe should be a smooth journey, not a source of stress. With Gerlach’s transit expertise, your shipments are safeguarded by robust guarantees, monitored in real time, and supported at every border crossing.
Ready to secure your transit operations? Contact our specialists today for expert guidance and a customised solution.
