One thing is clear: customs processing, like everything else in our world, is also becoming more digital. Where forms used to be filled out, submitted and stamped by hand, the process is now online. Gerlach Customs already offers a web portal for its customers in the Czech Republic, for example. Furthermore, we offer our customers electronic data interchange (EDI), as far as this can be implemented. In doing so, Gerlach receives relevant information for the customs declaration from their systems and can transfer it to our systems. The advantages are obvious: the risk of errors in data transfer is eliminated and the efficiency of the customs declaration process is increased.

Digital channels can also help customers avoid errors and make the entire customs process more transparent as well as more efficient. Listing goods in a central electronic register allows users to standardise the processes required for the customs procedure. This leads to a further reduction in complexity and the time needed to submit a declaration, which has a positive impact on regulatory costs for business.

Digitalisation leads to more customer satisfaction

Developments such as the web portal in the Czech Republic aim to replace paper-based customs procedures with electronic processes, creating a more efficient and modern customs environment that keeps pace with global developments. By focusing on digital customs, we as a customs community are signalling our ambition to further develop digital solutions and services to ease the burden on trade, other border authorities and customs officials, and to introduce technological advancements to improve operational performance and reshape the way we do business.

In general, customs remains a complex and constantly evolving process, and digital transformation in logistics is still in its early stages. But customer-focused customs service providers are already embracing digital transformation to enable their users to continue smooth customs processes in the future.