Customs Services in Europe
Customs procedures are the backbone of cross-border trade – but also one of its greatest challenges. From import and export regulations to transit management, VAT representation, and on-site authorisations, companies must navigate a complex web of laws and systems. Mistakes or delays can quickly result in penalties, cash flow issues, and supply chain disruptions.
With Gerlach, you gain a partner who turns complexity into structure. As Europe’s largest neutral customs services provider, we combine 140 years of experience, 170 offices in 27 countries, and deep regulatory expertise to keep your goods moving compliantly and efficiently.
If your company is based in the United Kingdom or Switzerland, please visit our dedicated 🇬🇧 UK customs services or 🇨🇭 Swiss customs services pages for tailored guidance.
How Gerlach Helps with Customs Services
Import Customs Clearance
- Comprehensive documentation and HS code support
- Accurate duty and VAT calculation
- Electronic customs filing
- Inspection and compliance management
- Fast release and delivery coordination
- Comprehensive documentation and HS code support
- Accurate duty and VAT calculation
- Electronic customs filing
- Inspection and compliance management
- Fast release and delivery coordination
Export Customs Clearance
- EX1/EXA declarations and proof of exit
- Origin and trade agreement documentation
- Export control and licensing guidance
- Direct system integration for faster processing
- Expert coordination with customs authorities
- EX1/EXA declarations and proof of exit
- Origin and trade agreement documentation
- Export control and licensing guidance
- Direct system integration for faster processing
- Expert coordination with customs authorities
Transit Customs Clearance
- Preparation and submission of T1/T2 documents
- Strong guarantee coverage
- Real-time NCTS integration and tracking
- Proactive closure management
- Multi-country coordination with local experts
- Preparation and submission of T1/T2 documents
- Strong guarantee coverage
- Real-time NCTS integration and tracking
- Proactive closure management
- Multi-country coordination with local experts
Fiscal Representation
- Use of Gerlach’s VAT numbers for import clearance
- VAT deferment and liquidity optimisation
- Full compliance and reporting management
- Pan-European representation
- Continuous monitoring and consultation
- Use of Gerlach’s VAT numbers for import clearance
- VAT deferment and liquidity optimisation
- Full compliance and reporting management
- Pan-European representation
- Continuous monitoring and consultation
VAT Services
- Accurate VAT calculation and reporting
- Deferred VAT handling for better liquidity
- Fiscal representation for non-resident companies
- Integration of VAT and customs procedures
- Continuous compliance monitoring and support
- Accurate VAT calculation and reporting
- Deferred VAT handling for better liquidity
- Fiscal representation for non-resident companies
- Integration of VAT and customs procedures
- Continuous compliance monitoring and support
Clearance Package Norway
- Combined export and import processing
- Norwegian tariff and VAT handling
- Customs credit facility without local bank account
- End-to-end visibility from dispatch to delivery
- Dedicated e-commerce and return handling support
- Combined export and import processing
- Norwegian tariff and VAT handling
- Customs credit facility without local bank account
- End-to-end visibility from dispatch to delivery
- Dedicated e-commerce and return handling support
In-House Approved Customs Point
- Application and documentation management
- On-site inspections and audit support
- Integrated import, export, and transit handling
- Compliance and technical consulting
- Long-term operational support after approval
- Application and documentation management
- On-site inspections and audit support
- Integrated import, export, and transit handling
- Compliance and technical consulting
- Long-term operational support after approval
How Our Customs Services Process Works
Consultation and Assessment: We review your trade activities, goods, and routes to identify the most effective customs setup.
Service Design: Based on your needs, we define the right combination of import, export, transit, and fiscal representation services.
Documentation Preparation: All required declarations, authorisations, and guarantees are prepared accurately and on time.
Operational Execution: Our experts handle electronic submissions, coordinate with customs offices, and manage inspections if required.
Monitoring and Reporting: We track every shipment in real time, ensuring deadlines are met and documents remain compliant.
Ongoing Optimisation: Regular reviews help improve efficiency, reduce costs, and maintain compliance as regulations evolve.
Why Choose Gerlach for Customs Services?
Contact UsWith 170 offices across 27 countries, Gerlach offers the widest independent customs coverage in Europe, ensuring local expertise and consistent quality wherever your goods move.
From import and export clearance to transit management and VAT representation, all your customs processes are managed by one experienced partner – reducing administrative effort and ensuring full compliance.
With more than 140 years of experience and AEO-certified operations, our specialists know exactly how to navigate complex EU and national regulations while keeping your business protected from risks and delays.
Our systems connect directly to European customs authorities and your own ERP environment, enabling fast, paperless communication, real-time visibility, and reliable data accuracy.
Every business is different. Gerlach adapts its services to your specific trade flows, volumes, and priorities, creating solutions that evolve with your operations and growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which customs services does Gerlach offer?
Gerlach provides the full spectrum of customs services required for international trade. This includes import and export clearance, transit management, fiscal representation, EU–Norway clearance solutions, and on-site customs authorisations. By combining these services under one roof, we ensure your goods move across borders efficiently, compliantly, and without unnecessary delays.
Can I manage all my customs needs through one partner?
Yes. Gerlach acts as your single point of contact for all customs activities in Europe. Instead of coordinating multiple brokers or dealing with different national procedures, you can rely on one consistent framework. This reduces administrative complexity, speeds up communication, and gives you complete visibility into every stage of the customs process.
Do you handle both EU and non-EU trade?
Absolutely. We support both intra-European trade and global shipments to and from third countries. Our network covers all EU member states and is complemented by trusted international partners in over 200 countries. Whether you’re exporting from Germany to Asia or importing goods from the US into the EU, Gerlach ensures every customs requirement is met accurately.
Can I integrate Gerlach’s services with my existing logistics setup?
Yes. Our digital systems connect seamlessly with your ERP and transport management platforms, enabling real-time data exchange and process automation. We also work directly with your logistics providers to coordinate documentation, ensure accurate declarations, and align customs milestones with transport schedules. This creates a continuous flow of information across your entire supply chain.
Do the same customs rules apply in the EU, the UK, and Switzerland?
No. While the EU operates under a harmonised customs framework, the United Kingdom and Switzerland each follow their own systems and legal requirements. Gerlach provides full customs services in all three regions, but we tailor procedures, VAT handling, and documentation to local rules. For detailed, country-specific guidance, please visit our dedicated pages:
Simplify Your Customs Operations Today
From imports to exports, from Norway to Naples – Gerlach is your trusted partner for all customs matters. With our experience, network, and dedication to compliance, we make cross-border trade faster, safer, and easier.
Ready to streamline your customs operations? Contact our specialists today to create a tailored customs solution for your business.
