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Day: 1 February 2023

Special Procedures Unlock Duty Savings

Posted on by David Priestman

Customs4trade NV (C4T), a leading customs SaaS solutions provider, has been explaining how exporting and importing manufacturers and traders can benefit from cost savings by incorporating Customs Special Procedures (SP) into their supply chain strategies.

Of course, since the UK left the Single Market, the relevance of British companies using SP within their customs declarations has increased to the tune of 27 additional trading partner countries. Gone are the days of seamless, customs-free trade between the UK and the EU. This is particularly significant for a number of reasons. The EU bloc is the biggest individual global trading partner for the UK, accounting for some 50% of the UK’s international trade. Moreover, its close proximity and the resulting speed and efficiency of freight transport services have for more than 30 years increasingly facilitated many integrated inbound and outbound value-added, processing and sub-manufacturing supply chains for a very large number of businesses. These are in perfect scope of SP and the inherent cost savings which can be achieved.

Against this backdrop, C4T has seen a big increase in post-Brexit enquiries over the past year or so from companies looking to take advantage of the potential cost savings offered by SP.

Some of the most commonly used components of SP are:

– Inward Processing, whereby raw materials imported for manufacturing, processing or repair are not subject to duties
– Customs Warehousing, which exempts goods from duties and taxes until they leave the warehouse
– Outward Processing, under ‘Returned Goods Relief’ whereby goods temporarily exported for manufacturing, process or repair are not subject to duties

Duty savings

By way of example, polling during the webinars revealed that amongst the attendees, 53 % identified Returned Goods Relief as an important benefit, and 30% said that they’re investigating it.

“Given the complexity of many businesses’ supply chains, with Europe and the rest of the world, and in context of the well-publicised upward pressures in operational supply chain costs, it’s become very important for organisations to ensure that they’re avoiding unnecessary duty payments,” says Sam Blakeman, C4T’s Product Marketing Manager. “We’ve been happy to assist clients with the auditing of their supply chains to identify the SP opportunities where they exist, and in many cases to support them in their management of the applicable SP regimes using our cloud-based customs software tool, CAS.”

There have traditionally been barriers to companies implementing SP into their customs strategy. A lack of understanding within customs departments as to how SPs work is a case in point. Furthermore, companies can sometimes question whether they can manage, with full compliance, the various control tasks and obligations which come with the territory.

These include such things as obtaining the necessary authorisations and guarantees, administering and controlling stock levels and overseeing all aspects of discharge periods and issuing Bills of Discharge when appropriate.

Blakeman addresses these concerns and concludes: ‘We’re happy that through a combination of our highly consultative approach and the capabilities and functionalities of our CAS software platform, we are able to support our customers in their SP journey and help them to realise the duty cost savings that they are looking for in as pain-free a way as possible’.

Flexible, Manoeuvrable new AGV

Posted on by David Priestman

At the LogiMAT 2023 show, DS AUTOMOTION, a specialist for mobile robotics, will present several new AGV highlights in hall 6, booth D05, which are also fully VDA5050 compatible. These include the compact, modular LUCY wheeled arm AGV, the driverless AMADEUS counterbalanced truck and the fully area-mobile OSCAR omni undercarriage AGV, all of which will be on live display. The innovative concept of plannable autonomy, presented last year, was nominated for the IFOY AWARD 2023 in the software category.

Compact and Agile

LUCY (pictured) offers maximum driving flexibility even in narrow areas. The compact wheel-arm AGV can lift up to 500 kg. Thanks to its modular design, it can be individually adapted to safely transport a wide variety of load carriers. The compact vehicle thus covers many areas of application in in-plant logistics.

Strong Middle Class

The AMADEUS counter is a driverless counterbalanced truck from the established AMADEUS family with a lift height of up to 2.8 m and a load capacity of 1.2 t. It can navigate using all of the established methods and can be operated with various battery technologies and charging concepts. Its particularly small turning circle enables navigation even in narrow aisles. Visitors can experience it live for the first time at LogiMAT 2023.

Full Surface Mobility

OSCAR omni is a new compact undercarriage AGV that can carry a maximum payload of one ton with an underride clearance of 310 mm. Thanks to its omnidirectional drive technology, it offers unrestricted mobility in the area, which means that even complex plant concepts can be realized in small spaces.

Prizeworthy Innovation

The ARCOS vehicle software enables transport vehicles to act not only as AGVs but also as AMRs, thereby setting a benchmark in the world of intralogistics. This provides a transport system that can either use its autonomous functions or follow predefined tracks. For the first time, maximum flexibility and efficiency from the two worlds of AMR and AGV can be realized within just one transport system and in the same facility. This ground-breaking technology was nominated for the IFOY AWARD 2023.

You will find the booth and contact person of DS AUTOMOTION in hall 6, booth D05.

DS AUTOMOTION GmbH, headquartered in Linz, is a leading global supplier of automated guided vehicles and autonomous mobile robotics. The company has specialized in the development and production of automation solutions for a wide range of applications and industries since 1984 and is part of the SSI Schäfer Group. The experience gained from the development and production of over 8,000 customer-specific vehicles flows into the development of the company’s own products. More than 260 employees operate worldwide, which is reflected in an export rate of over 90%.

Flexible, Manoeuvrable new AGV

Posted on by David Priestman

At the LogiMAT 2023 show, DS AUTOMOTION, a specialist for mobile robotics, will present several new AGV highlights in hall 6, booth D05, which are also fully VDA5050 compatible. These include the compact, modular LUCY wheeled arm AGV, the driverless AMADEUS counterbalanced truck and the fully area-mobile OSCAR omni undercarriage AGV, all of which will be on live display. The innovative concept of plannable autonomy, presented last year, was nominated for the IFOY AWARD 2023 in the software category.

Compact and Agile

LUCY (pictured) offers maximum driving flexibility even in narrow areas. The compact wheel-arm AGV can lift up to 500 kg. Thanks to its modular design, it can be individually adapted to safely transport a wide variety of load carriers. The compact vehicle thus covers many areas of application in in-plant logistics.

Strong Middle Class

The AMADEUS counter is a driverless counterbalanced truck from the established AMADEUS family with a lift height of up to 2.8 m and a load capacity of 1.2 t. It can navigate using all of the established methods and can be operated with various battery technologies and charging concepts. Its particularly small turning circle enables navigation even in narrow aisles. Visitors can experience it live for the first time at LogiMAT 2023.

Full Surface Mobility

OSCAR omni is a new compact undercarriage AGV that can carry a maximum payload of one ton with an underride clearance of 310 mm. Thanks to its omnidirectional drive technology, it offers unrestricted mobility in the area, which means that even complex plant concepts can be realized in small spaces.

Prizeworthy Innovation

The ARCOS vehicle software enables transport vehicles to act not only as AGVs but also as AMRs, thereby setting a benchmark in the world of intralogistics. This provides a transport system that can either use its autonomous functions or follow predefined tracks. For the first time, maximum flexibility and efficiency from the two worlds of AMR and AGV can be realized within just one transport system and in the same facility. This ground-breaking technology was nominated for the IFOY AWARD 2023.

You will find the booth and contact person of DS AUTOMOTION in hall 6, booth D05.

DS AUTOMOTION GmbH, headquartered in Linz, is a leading global supplier of automated guided vehicles and autonomous mobile robotics. The company has specialized in the development and production of automation solutions for a wide range of applications and industries since 1984 and is part of the SSI Schäfer Group. The experience gained from the development and production of over 8,000 customer-specific vehicles flows into the development of the company’s own products. More than 260 employees operate worldwide, which is reflected in an export rate of over 90%.

Freight Solutions across the Irish Sea

Posted on by David Priestman

With expertise in logistics and worldwide transport, cargo-partner is pleased to introduce an enhanced road freight network, ideally placed to support customers across the Irish Sea with the import and export of goods to and from the UK and Ireland.

With their recent introduction of daily and weekly road transport options to the market, cargo-partner’s expert teams in Dublin, Manchester, Basildon and Bradford can support with a variety of tailored solutions to help move any goods across the Irish sea.

The teams offer comprehensive groupage, part load, full load and express van services, with all solutions including a full customs clearance service, automated tracking and end-to-end support from the local teams.

cargo-partner’s Managing Director for Ireland Fergal Keenan said, “As well as strengthening our freight network across the globe, we’re also continuing to develop and improve our networks closer to home, so we can provide quality and efficient transport routes for our customers, between Ireland and the UK.

“We can provide full coverage across both nations, offering a variety of innovative logistics solutions – and with cargo-partner’s global network of over 160 offices in 40 countries, we can also provide customers with a gateway of further storage and transport connections across the world.”

Following Brexit and various trade policy changes, there are a number of processes customers need to follow when shipping across the Irish sea, but cargo-partner can help, advise and manage every element of the process, offering a range of tools to help businesses track the movement of their goods from end to end. As a full-range logistics provider, cargo-partner can also support customers with air, sea and rail transportation.

cargo-partner is a privately owned full-range info-logistics provider offering a comprehensive portfolio of air, sea, land transport and warehousing solutions. With almost 40 years of expertise in information technology and supply chain optimization, the company designs tailor-made services for a wide range of industries to create competitive benefits for its customers all around the world. Founded in 1983, cargo-partner generated a turnover of 1.8 billion euro in 2021 and currently employs 4,000 people worldwide.

 

Freight Solutions across the Irish Sea

Posted on by David Priestman

With expertise in logistics and worldwide transport, cargo-partner is pleased to introduce an enhanced road freight network, ideally placed to support customers across the Irish Sea with the import and export of goods to and from the UK and Ireland.

With their recent introduction of daily and weekly road transport options to the market, cargo-partner’s expert teams in Dublin, Manchester, Basildon and Bradford can support with a variety of tailored solutions to help move any goods across the Irish sea.

The teams offer comprehensive groupage, part load, full load and express van services, with all solutions including a full customs clearance service, automated tracking and end-to-end support from the local teams.

cargo-partner’s Managing Director for Ireland Fergal Keenan said, “As well as strengthening our freight network across the globe, we’re also continuing to develop and improve our networks closer to home, so we can provide quality and efficient transport routes for our customers, between Ireland and the UK.

“We can provide full coverage across both nations, offering a variety of innovative logistics solutions – and with cargo-partner’s global network of over 160 offices in 40 countries, we can also provide customers with a gateway of further storage and transport connections across the world.”

Following Brexit and various trade policy changes, there are a number of processes customers need to follow when shipping across the Irish sea, but cargo-partner can help, advise and manage every element of the process, offering a range of tools to help businesses track the movement of their goods from end to end. As a full-range logistics provider, cargo-partner can also support customers with air, sea and rail transportation.

cargo-partner is a privately owned full-range info-logistics provider offering a comprehensive portfolio of air, sea, land transport and warehousing solutions. With almost 40 years of expertise in information technology and supply chain optimization, the company designs tailor-made services for a wide range of industries to create competitive benefits for its customers all around the world. Founded in 1983, cargo-partner generated a turnover of 1.8 billion euro in 2021 and currently employs 4,000 people worldwide.

 

Doosan Launches Heavy-lifting Electric Trucks

Posted on by David Priestman

Doosan, manufacturer of robust high-performance forklift trucks, has launched two new ranges of high capacity electric counterbalance forklift trucks within the NXE Series, providing industrial users with a wide choice of zero-emission, low-noise level, environmentally friendly trucks capable of tackling heavy duty tasks. Both ranges have a compact new design for greater manoeuvrability in tight spaces and are built to Doosan’s exacting standards on durability and robust, reliable performance.

The powerful B80NS
Available in capacities from 8.0 to 10.0 tons, businesses across a broad spectrum of industry – from manufacturing, engineering, and foundries, to building supplies, transport and warehousing – will benefit from the improved capability, power and performance of Doosan’s latest heavy-lifting B80NS electric trucks. The versatility of electric power is now available in a durable and reliable heavy-lifting vehicle, built for working long-shifts in arduous conditions, making it a viable alternative to increasingly regulated IC Engine equivalents – all of which helps to save time and costs.

For those businesses requiring a truck for light to medium duties, Doosan has introduced a low-cost electric truck specified for the task.

The cost-efficient B60NX
The B60NX ‘value’ range, with three models covering a capacity range from 6.0 – 8.0 ton, offers the simple clean performance of electric power in a series of competitively priced high-capacity models – giving occasional users a reliable ‘buy new’ alternative to purchasing a second-hand or reconditioned forklift truck. Designed for light to medium duties, the B60NX range offers all that’s needed to get the job done – without needing to spend large. These compact zero-emission trucks are clean and quiet in operation, delivering safe, reliable performance exactly when it’s needed.

Extra Durable
Durability for outside duty is catered for in both ranges with IP65 rated controllers and motors, offering maximum resilience to water and dust. Also included as standard is an industry leading sealed, oil-cooled disc brake system, which is virtually maintenance free and lasts up to five times longer when compared to conventional shoe brakes. The sealed units protect against outside elements such as dirt, water and grit, ensuring top-rate braking performance for enhanced safety and increased productivity. With zero emissions, low noise levels and a reduced total cost of ownership (TCO), the new models across both ranges will appeal to businesses looking to boost environmental performance, while reducing costs.

Enhanced Productivity
A major productivity-boosting feature across the range is a compact design and tighter turning radius, giving a strong competitive edge over the average diesel truck of the same capacity. Smooth and responsive acceleration are assured with the 96V or 80V AC drive system, where a single or dual, powerful motor gives the unbeatable combination of power, performance and functionality. The all-round efficiency provided promises to boost productivity inside and outside the factory or warehouse.

Safety first
Doosan places a strong emphasis on safety in the design of their trucks, prioritising all-around visibility. The clear-view overhead guard and lower seat position provides 360 degrees of visibility. A prominent safety feature included as standard is the Automatic Speed Control function which adjusts the travel speed for safer cornering.

Stronger Ergonomics
The compact new design is combined with good ergonomics – taking safety, driver comfort, ease of maintenance and productivity fully into account. The spacious cab is designed for operator comfort and to reduce fatigue, with a fully adjustable premium Grammer seat as standard and excellent all-round visibility for safer manoeuvring with greater awareness. Other features included are an adjustable steering column, a low seat position for easy access and plenty of legroom. Everything a driver needs for maximum comfort during long shifts. Further, optional features within the cab include: MP3 radio player, HVAC integrated heating/cooling/ventilation system and a fingertip console with two-axis cross levers or ergonomic fingertip control.

Easy Maintenance
The new design takes ease of maintenance into account too. A tiltable cab (optional) on the B80NS provides simple, clear access to core components, along with improved accessibility to the controller and electric components, and a fast detachable backplate facilitates a swift battery change for multi-shift operations. The B60NX series comes with a full-opening side door, which makes battery replacement simple and straightforward using a pallet truck.

The new Doosan B60NX and B80NS ranges offer everything a business needs to feel confident in making the transition to using electric powered trucks for the heaviest of lifting duties.
Jan Droogendijk, Marketing Supervisor, Doosan Industrial Vehicles, says: “Companies that are currently considering contracts on high capacity IC Engine trucks should at least be looking at the possibility of switching to electric powered forklifts as a way of reducing their long term costs, improving safety and cutting their carbon footprint. Electric trucks have come a really long way in the past few years and are now, with these new additions, a highly viable alternative to IC Engine trucks for most applications.”

Doosan Launches Heavy-lifting Electric Trucks

Posted on by David Priestman

Doosan, manufacturer of robust high-performance forklift trucks, has launched two new ranges of high capacity electric counterbalance forklift trucks within the NXE Series, providing industrial users with a wide choice of zero-emission, low-noise level, environmentally friendly trucks capable of tackling heavy duty tasks. Both ranges have a compact new design for greater manoeuvrability in tight spaces and are built to Doosan’s exacting standards on durability and robust, reliable performance.

The powerful B80NS
Available in capacities from 8.0 to 10.0 tons, businesses across a broad spectrum of industry – from manufacturing, engineering, and foundries, to building supplies, transport and warehousing – will benefit from the improved capability, power and performance of Doosan’s latest heavy-lifting B80NS electric trucks. The versatility of electric power is now available in a durable and reliable heavy-lifting vehicle, built for working long-shifts in arduous conditions, making it a viable alternative to increasingly regulated IC Engine equivalents – all of which helps to save time and costs.

For those businesses requiring a truck for light to medium duties, Doosan has introduced a low-cost electric truck specified for the task.

The cost-efficient B60NX
The B60NX ‘value’ range, with three models covering a capacity range from 6.0 – 8.0 ton, offers the simple clean performance of electric power in a series of competitively priced high-capacity models – giving occasional users a reliable ‘buy new’ alternative to purchasing a second-hand or reconditioned forklift truck. Designed for light to medium duties, the B60NX range offers all that’s needed to get the job done – without needing to spend large. These compact zero-emission trucks are clean and quiet in operation, delivering safe, reliable performance exactly when it’s needed.

Extra Durable
Durability for outside duty is catered for in both ranges with IP65 rated controllers and motors, offering maximum resilience to water and dust. Also included as standard is an industry leading sealed, oil-cooled disc brake system, which is virtually maintenance free and lasts up to five times longer when compared to conventional shoe brakes. The sealed units protect against outside elements such as dirt, water and grit, ensuring top-rate braking performance for enhanced safety and increased productivity. With zero emissions, low noise levels and a reduced total cost of ownership (TCO), the new models across both ranges will appeal to businesses looking to boost environmental performance, while reducing costs.

Enhanced Productivity
A major productivity-boosting feature across the range is a compact design and tighter turning radius, giving a strong competitive edge over the average diesel truck of the same capacity. Smooth and responsive acceleration are assured with the 96V or 80V AC drive system, where a single or dual, powerful motor gives the unbeatable combination of power, performance and functionality. The all-round efficiency provided promises to boost productivity inside and outside the factory or warehouse.

Safety first
Doosan places a strong emphasis on safety in the design of their trucks, prioritising all-around visibility. The clear-view overhead guard and lower seat position provides 360 degrees of visibility. A prominent safety feature included as standard is the Automatic Speed Control function which adjusts the travel speed for safer cornering.

Stronger Ergonomics
The compact new design is combined with good ergonomics – taking safety, driver comfort, ease of maintenance and productivity fully into account. The spacious cab is designed for operator comfort and to reduce fatigue, with a fully adjustable premium Grammer seat as standard and excellent all-round visibility for safer manoeuvring with greater awareness. Other features included are an adjustable steering column, a low seat position for easy access and plenty of legroom. Everything a driver needs for maximum comfort during long shifts. Further, optional features within the cab include: MP3 radio player, HVAC integrated heating/cooling/ventilation system and a fingertip console with two-axis cross levers or ergonomic fingertip control.

Easy Maintenance
The new design takes ease of maintenance into account too. A tiltable cab (optional) on the B80NS provides simple, clear access to core components, along with improved accessibility to the controller and electric components, and a fast detachable backplate facilitates a swift battery change for multi-shift operations. The B60NX series comes with a full-opening side door, which makes battery replacement simple and straightforward using a pallet truck.

The new Doosan B60NX and B80NS ranges offer everything a business needs to feel confident in making the transition to using electric powered trucks for the heaviest of lifting duties.
Jan Droogendijk, Marketing Supervisor, Doosan Industrial Vehicles, says: “Companies that are currently considering contracts on high capacity IC Engine trucks should at least be looking at the possibility of switching to electric powered forklifts as a way of reducing their long term costs, improving safety and cutting their carbon footprint. Electric trucks have come a really long way in the past few years and are now, with these new additions, a highly viable alternative to IC Engine trucks for most applications.”

UK Customs Declarations Service Delays

Posted on by David Priestman

Ever since Britain’s HMRC planned to switch its import/export system from Customs Handling Import and Export (CHIEF) to the brand-new Customs Declarations Service (CDS), there have been problems for all parties, including freight transport businesses.

Beginning on 30 September 2022, the original goal for completion was set for March 30 2023. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, that date has been delayed multiple times, with different elements of the new CDS suffering setbacks. An initial extension was made to applications in November 2022. This saw a final extension of the system’s implementation date to November 30 2023, a full eight months after the original date.

The delays have contributed towards an uncertain period for the freight transport sector. Every company that deal with freight management, such as software specialists Forward Solutions, has had a challenge with the continuous changes to the plan. It has left many in the sector scratching their heads as to the next move. However, for Forward Solutions customers’, help has been at hand, with the experience and knowledge of the internal team helping to ease the customs headaches caused by the hold up.

Richard Litchfield, Managing Director of Forward Solutions, added: “The switch between CHIEF and CDS was always going to be turbulent. The previous system and way of working had been in place for many years, and, so, a six-month window for all freight companies to make the switch was an optimistic deadline. The choice to delay was a sensible decision from HMRC, as it gives companies more time to fully understand the new system and allow for a smoother transition, giving service providers, traders and agents like us, to develop systems and software that will work from day one, rather than a troubled launch. Since the start of the transition phase in September 2022, we’ve been supporting our customers with an extensive CDS knowledge resource on our website. This is to give our customers the most relevant, up-to-date information regarding CDS. We are also distributing regular, direct updates regarding what HMRC is doing with both CHIEF and CDS, but it is clear to see that the transition period has been a confusing time for everyone involved.”

One of the reasons for the delay is related to the testing of the system’s functionality, which requires further fine-tuning. According to a recent article, there are rumours of further delays, which could result in further issues until 2024. The good news is that CDS has been running since 2018 and is currently used for making import declarations when bringing goods into the UK.

HMRC stated: “The service will replace the CHIEF service, representing a significant upgrade by providing businesses with a more user-friendly, streamlined system that offers greater functionality.”

John Varley, Product Specialist at Forward Solutions, has been overseeing the switch to CDS, and added: “This delay will have a major effect on many businesses, as we, alongside everyone else, had been working towards the March 2023 deadline. Whilst the benefits of having more time to test and transition is a good thing, we need to make sure that companies across the industry have a full understanding of the new system, and the correct guidance needs to be given by HMRC, as, ultimately, delay after delay won’t fix every problem. We are sure that CDS will represent a great step forward, when it arrives and we will continue to work towards helping our customers prepare, with the November 2023 deadline in mind.”

According to a statement from HMRC, Sarah Hartley, Director of Border Change Delivery at HMRC, said: “We have moved the deadline to enable us to spend more time working with industry in delivering and testing critical functionality, as well as the support needed to help declarants move across to the new system. The extra time also allows businesses and stakeholders more time to prepare their customers and software products for the November deadline.”

HMRC will provide further information about the timeline for CDS exports by the end of January 2023.

Forward Solutions is part of the Freight Software Group, alongside BoxTop Technologies [6]. The duo share an eye-catching stand, number 2070, at Multimodal and together have a portfolio of over 300 customers.

UK Customs Declarations Service Delays

Posted on by David Priestman

Ever since Britain’s HMRC planned to switch its import/export system from Customs Handling Import and Export (CHIEF) to the brand-new Customs Declarations Service (CDS), there have been problems for all parties, including freight transport businesses.

Beginning on 30 September 2022, the original goal for completion was set for March 30 2023. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, that date has been delayed multiple times, with different elements of the new CDS suffering setbacks. An initial extension was made to applications in November 2022. This saw a final extension of the system’s implementation date to November 30 2023, a full eight months after the original date.

The delays have contributed towards an uncertain period for the freight transport sector. Every company that deal with freight management, such as software specialists Forward Solutions, has had a challenge with the continuous changes to the plan. It has left many in the sector scratching their heads as to the next move. However, for Forward Solutions customers’, help has been at hand, with the experience and knowledge of the internal team helping to ease the customs headaches caused by the hold up.

Richard Litchfield, Managing Director of Forward Solutions, added: “The switch between CHIEF and CDS was always going to be turbulent. The previous system and way of working had been in place for many years, and, so, a six-month window for all freight companies to make the switch was an optimistic deadline. The choice to delay was a sensible decision from HMRC, as it gives companies more time to fully understand the new system and allow for a smoother transition, giving service providers, traders and agents like us, to develop systems and software that will work from day one, rather than a troubled launch. Since the start of the transition phase in September 2022, we’ve been supporting our customers with an extensive CDS knowledge resource on our website. This is to give our customers the most relevant, up-to-date information regarding CDS. We are also distributing regular, direct updates regarding what HMRC is doing with both CHIEF and CDS, but it is clear to see that the transition period has been a confusing time for everyone involved.”

One of the reasons for the delay is related to the testing of the system’s functionality, which requires further fine-tuning. According to a recent article, there are rumours of further delays, which could result in further issues until 2024. The good news is that CDS has been running since 2018 and is currently used for making import declarations when bringing goods into the UK.

HMRC stated: “The service will replace the CHIEF service, representing a significant upgrade by providing businesses with a more user-friendly, streamlined system that offers greater functionality.”

John Varley, Product Specialist at Forward Solutions, has been overseeing the switch to CDS, and added: “This delay will have a major effect on many businesses, as we, alongside everyone else, had been working towards the March 2023 deadline. Whilst the benefits of having more time to test and transition is a good thing, we need to make sure that companies across the industry have a full understanding of the new system, and the correct guidance needs to be given by HMRC, as, ultimately, delay after delay won’t fix every problem. We are sure that CDS will represent a great step forward, when it arrives and we will continue to work towards helping our customers prepare, with the November 2023 deadline in mind.”

According to a statement from HMRC, Sarah Hartley, Director of Border Change Delivery at HMRC, said: “We have moved the deadline to enable us to spend more time working with industry in delivering and testing critical functionality, as well as the support needed to help declarants move across to the new system. The extra time also allows businesses and stakeholders more time to prepare their customers and software products for the November deadline.”

HMRC will provide further information about the timeline for CDS exports by the end of January 2023.

Forward Solutions is part of the Freight Software Group, alongside BoxTop Technologies [6]. The duo share an eye-catching stand, number 2070, at Multimodal and together have a portfolio of over 300 customers.

Serbia DCs Surge due to Proximity to EU

Posted on by David Priestman

Serbia’s emergence as a manufacturing base with a skilled cost-effective labour force in close proximity to neighbouring EU markets, is driving a surge in DC leasings and built-to-suit developments across CTP’s four industrial and logistics parks in the country.

Petar Kolognat, Head of Business Development at CTP Serbia, said: “The growing outsourcing of Germany’s industrial supply chain to CEE markets, combined with the nearshoring trend, where companies are opting to build resilience into their global supply chains by locating manufacturing closer to their main markets, is generating strong demand for industrial and logistics space along the axis of CTP’s core markets from the Czech Republic to Romania, but it is also resulting in upward pressure on wages and other costs. Serbia’s position outside the European Union means it is highly competitive on labour costs, with a skilled workforce strategically located next to neighbouring EU markets. International companies are increasingly taking note of these advantages, encouraged by supportive government policies. We are seeing a growing number choosing to locate in Serbia and in CTParks, which offer the most modern and sustainable production and logistics facilities and broadest network available in this market.”

Significant CTP Serbia Leasings in 2022

In the fourth quarter of 2022, German multinational and engineering company Bosch took delivery of a 20,000 sqm built-to-suit facility in CTPark Belgrade West to produce motors for electronic window lifters and Milšped, the leading 3PL group, leased 16,000 sqm at the same location. CTP also handed over a 26,500 sqm BTS building to Japanese electromotors giant Nidec at CTPark Novi Sad in Serbia’s second largest city. Total developments of 60,000 sqm are due to be fulfilled for Nidec and its sister company Nidec-Elesys at CTPark Novi Sad.

At CTPark Kragujevac in central Serbia, Chinese automotive supplier YanFeng has signed a leasing agreement for a third production unit of 30,000 sqm, where construction started in December 2022. Meanwhile in CTPark Belgrade North, around 25,000 sqm of the planned total development of 100,000 sqm at the park was completed last year and Slovenian 3PL InterEuropa, the leading supplier of complete logistics services in Serbia and south eastern Europe, took a lease on 14,400 sqm of space. The facility will be used as a regional distribution centre for EU markets by Gorenje – Hisense, a manufacturer of household appliances.

CTP is also progressing with the development of CTPark Belgrade City, located in the largest municipality in the capital, less then 5 km to the city centre and only 5 km from Belgrade Airport. The location is ideal for small and medium-sized enterprises in the FMCG, Pharmaceutical, E-commerce and last-mile logistics sectors owing to its inner-city location, along with excellent connections to the highway and surrounding urban traffic arteries. The first phase of the programme will be completed by the end of this year, with units starting from 2,500 sqm including showroom, office, and warehouse space.

Marko Ivovic, Plant Manager at NIDEC, said: “It was a pleasure to journey, together with CTP, from zero to almost 27,000 square metres in the construction of the first Nidec factory in Serbia. We have managed to build a strong partnership between these two companies, milestone after successful milestone, finishing the first phase of our investment on time, and staying in constant communication with our partners from CTP. Very soon, the time for a further expansion of Nidec Electric Motor Serbia will come and I look forward to cooperating with the local team of CTP again.”

CTP is Continental Europe’s largest listed owner, developer and manager of logistics and industrial real estate by GLA, owning over 9.9 million sqm of space across 10 countries. CTP certifies all new buildings to BREEAM Very good or better and earned a ‘Low-Risk’ ESG rating by Sustainalytics, underlining its commitment to being a sustainable business.

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