Customs and transport

International cooperation often includes transporting items across borders. This portion provides information about the laws and regulations applicable to import and export, and practical tips regarding transport.

Customs

Customs is the government agency responsible for enforcing the customs laws in a country. The duties and powers of customs agencies are often quite different in each country.

Free movement of goods applies within Europe, meaning that controls regarding the movement of goods within the internal market have been abolished. 

Several situations which frequently arise with respect to customs and transport:

• the temporary or other import and export of goods in the European Union (EU) and ATA Carnets;
• the export of goods from the EU;
• the movement of foreign goods within the EU;
• the import into or export from the EU of specific cultural objects (cultural heritage).

Transport If you want valuable objects to be transported carefully, you can do this yourself, of course. You can also engage a registered transport company. A professional carrier often takes care of customs clearance, insurance and any temporary storage.