Transit (T1 & T2): avoid stops and delays in customs

Transit is used when goods travel through one or more countries under customs control, without being cleared straight away.

We help companies with transit from Sweden (T2) and from countries outside the EU such as Norway (T1) so the goods can travel on correctly, without stops or delays.

With the transit documents handled correctly, we make sure the procedure follows the rules and is discharged correctly in the destination country.

Truck in transit through Sweden with goods under customs control

What is transit and why is it used?

Transit is a customs procedure used when goods travel through one or more countries without duty and VAT being paid straight away.

The purpose of transit is to let goods travel under customs control to their final destination country, where they are cleared instead.

In practice this means duty and charges are paid in the right country. Without transit, goods risk being stopped at the border, or duty and VAT being charged in the wrong country.

The difference between export and transit

Export and transit are two different customs procedures used in international trade.

At export, goods leaving the EU are declared, and the procedure ends when the goods have been exported. Transit, by contrast, is used when goods travel through one or more countries without being cleared in each one.

At import, an import declaration in Sweden is required, while transit is used when goods travel through several countries without being cleared straight away.

To make sure the right procedure is used, it is important to understand the difference between these processes and the requirements at each step.

Whether you need a transit document or an import declaration, an export declaration is required.

When is transit necessary?

Transit is used when goods travel through one or more countries before reaching their final destination, without being cleared in each one. It is common in international transport where goods pass through several customs zones.

That applies, for example, when the recipient is in a different country from the one where the goods first arrive.
A common example is goods travelling through Sweden to another EU country. In those cases transit is used so the goods can continue under customs control and be cleared in the right country.

Transit ensures that goods are not stopped at the border and that duty and VAT are handled correctly at the final destination.

In some cases goods can be imported directly at the border without transit, but then the import declaration must be made straight away.

Many companies choose to use a customs broker to make sure the transit is handled correctly and without delays.

Need help with transit from Sweden?

Get the transit right from the start

Transit combined with an import declaration

Transit is not only used at export, but also when goods travel through Sweden to be imported in another country.

We handle the whole process, from a correct transit to the goods being discharged with the right import declaration in the destination country. This is particularly relevant when goods arrive in the EU and travel on under customs control before being cleared.

We make sure the transit is discharged correctly and the import declaration is made in the right country, so duty and VAT are handled correctly from the start.

Who can lodge transit declarations in Sweden?

In theory, companies can lodge transit declarations themselves with Swedish Customs, but in practice it is often complex.

Handling transit in-house usually requires:

  • an EORI number
  • access to an approved declaration system (NCTS)
  • correctly configured access rights
  • good knowledge of customs rules and transit procedures
  • a valid guarantee linked to the transit
  • The guarantee is a key part of transit. It ensures duty and charges can be paid if something goes wrong during transport.

    Companies can either:

  • use a customs broker’s guarantee
  • or provide their own guarantee, for example by depositing an amount corresponding to the duty and VAT
  • Read more about transit at Swedish Customs (in Swedish)

    What does EasyTull do in a transit, in practice?

    When we handle a transit, we take responsibility for the whole process, from planning to correct discharge.

    We start by assessing whether transit is the right solution, or whether the goods can be imported directly.

    We then prepare the right transit documents, ensure correct commodity classification and lodge the declaration through an approved system.

    During transport we are available when needed, and on arrival we make sure the transit is discharged correctly in the destination country.

    This reduces the risk of stops, inspections and extra costs.

    Common mistakes in transit without a broker tullombud

    Transit is often used at export and for onward transport through several countries. Small errors in the process can have major consequences. Without professional help, mistakes often occur that lead to stops, delays and extra costs.

    EasyTull prevents transit problems

    We make sure the transit is set up correctly from the start, follows the current rules and is discharged correctly in the destination country. With the right handling, the risk of stops, inspections and unnecessary costs falls.

    Contact us about transit

    These are the most common mistakes in transit

    The wrong transit procedure

    Can lead to goods being stopped at the border or not being allowed to travel on to the destination country.

    Missing or incorrect discharge of the transit

    If the transit is not discharged correctly, duty and charges can be demanded afterwards in the wrong country.

    The wrong customs value

    An incorrect customs value can create problems in the onward customs handling and lead to extra costs or inspections.

    Missing or incorrect documentation

    If the transit documents are wrong, the shipment can be delayed or stopped during transport.

    Export without a correct transit

    If goods are sent on without the right transit procedure, problems can arise at border crossings and in the destination country.

    Poor knowledge of the destination country’s requirements

    If the destination country’s rules are not met, the goods can be stopped or mishandled on arrival.

    EasyTull prevents transit problems

    We make sure the transit is set up correctly from the start, follows the current rules and is discharged correctly against an import declaration in the destination country. With our experience you avoid stops, inspections and unnecessary costs.

    Contact us about transit

    Why companies choose EasyTull for transit

    With us you get more than just a declaration. We make sure the transit is handled correctly from the start, so you avoid stops, delays and unnecessary costs.

    We help you with the right set-up and correct documentation, and make sure the transit is discharged in the right country.

    You avoid dealing with system requirements, guarantees and contact with customs authorities. We take care of the whole process.

    Need help with transit?

    Send your enquiry and we help you with the right set-up for transit, export or import.
    We get back to you within 10 minutes.

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    Frequently asked questions about transit

    What is transit in a customs context?

    Transit is a customs procedure that lets goods travel through one or more countries without paying duty and VAT until they reach their final destination country. The goods travel under customs control, and the procedure ends with an import declaration in the destination country.

    What is the difference between export and transit?

    Export means goods leave a country and are handled by customs there.
    Transit is used when the goods are to travel on to another country without being imported straight away.
    Export and transit are often used together, especially in trade outside the EU.

    When do you need transit for exports from Sweden?

    Transit is needed when goods are exported via another country before the final import, for example when the recipient is in a third country and the goods pass through the EU or other countries on the way.

    When is transit not needed?

    Transit is not needed when the goods are imported directly in the first country they arrive in and are cleared there, without onward transport under customs control.

    Can EasyTull discharge a transit with an import declaration?

    Yes, we can handle the whole process, from preparing the transit documents to discharging the transit with a correct import declaration in Sweden or the destination country.

    Who can set up and handle transit in Sweden?

    Handling transit requires access to approved customs systems, the right permissions and, usually, a guarantee linked to the transit.
    Most companies therefore use a customs broker that has the systems, the guarantee and the knowledge in place.

    What happens if a transit is not handled correctly?

    Errors in the transit can lead to goods being stopped, delays, or duty and charges being levied in the wrong country. In some cases it can also lead to extra costs or demands from customs authorities.

    How quickly can EasyTull help with a transit?

    We normally get back to you within 10 minutes and can often handle the transit the same day, depending on the scope of the case.

    Ready for smooth and secure transit?

    Unsure whether your shipment needs transit, or how the process should be handled correctly? Small errors can quickly lead to delays, stops and extra costs.

    We help you choose the right set-up from the start, whether it concerns transit, export or import.