Union Customs code in APM Terminals Valencia

What is UCC- Union Customs code?

The UCC is the legislative key for customs formalities within the European Union.

The UCC was adopted on 9 October 2013 as Regulation (EU) No 952/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council

It entered into force on 30 October 2013 although most of its substantive provisions apply from 1 May 2016.

Authorities established a transitory period of 3 years.

From May 1, 2019 the terminals must control customs status of all units that leave the terminal

This new regulation implies the assumption of new obligations and procedures, and therefore, they force terminals to expand their services, that must be provided mandatory by law.

But what is the real change?

Terminal operations fall under the scope of “temporary storage” of the Regulation, therefore since this date, port terminals must be auth by customs authority like temporary storage facility (DTA).

In consequence, many of the functions/procedures currently handled by shipping lines /customs agents will be transferred to terminal responsibility.

1. Terminals will asume below new responsibilities.

Customs status control for all units leaving the terminal (IM, EXP, TS)

Cargo release responsibility

Cargo tracking / inventory of the temporary storage, with all the relevant information at customs authorities disposal.

Inform customs authorities if the limit of 90 staying days is exceeded.

Handling and supervisión of container inspections, revisions, /unpacking the goods into/from a container.

Control the potential custom debt of the temporary storage in real time.

Permanent bank guarantee in front of customs administration to be provided under the cargo stored.

Responsibility for container custody between terminals – ADT'S: CUB / G5

2. New terminal role

Terminal operators are implementing new customs control systems and training terminal employees to understand UCC responsibilities.

Investment on IT systems: In order to put mandatory information for customs authority’s disposal, terminals had to develop their systems and coordinate different departments, to ensure the good implementation of these new services given to their customers.

Responsibility towards customs authorities: By assuming this new role, terminals are responsible for customs checks / controls within the terminal premises, and in consequence, responsible for any potential fine as a result of this process.

Which is the impact for me, as a Shipping line?

Considering new duties assumed by APM Terminals, we are launching our new catalogue for all the services involving this regulation:

• Customs´ clearance control for full import/export/ TS containers: Ensure all units leaving / laying at terminal are customs cleared. Terminal operator becomes responsible for allowing cargo release and must control all units leaving terminal are in accordance with customs formalities. Before load or gate out, terminal will check unit´s customs clearance. Non-cleared units will be blocked and retained. Terminal will take the responsibility to ensure this process takes place following customs authorities’ indications.
• Longstanding / Cargo abandonment management: Complete transparency with customs authorities for units laying at terminal more than 90 days. Terminal must control container stay for all the units within terminal premises. For those units whose stay exceeds more than 90 days, terminal operator will inform customs authorities accordingly to start abandonment process.
• Document issuance CUB – G5: Terminal operator will assume the request / responsibility involving cargo transfer between DTAS. These transfers must be processed, managed (If required) and communicated to customs authorities by terminal operator until cargo reaches final ADT. Terminal will take the responsibility to ensure this process takes place and completes, following customs authorities’ indications.
• Inspection assistance: Control assistance for cargo inspections taken place within terminal premises. Terminal operator must ensure every cargo inspection complies customs requirements.