Transit customs clearance

Transit – what does it mean?

Transit is a customs procedure that allows goods to move through the territory of one or more countries without having to pay customs duties, customs charges and taxes in each of those countries. The aim of transit is to streamline the international movement of goods, reduce customs formalities and shorten transport time.

There are different types of transit, including:

• Internal transit – applies to the movement of goods within a single customs territory, most commonly within the European Union.
• External transit – covers the movement of goods through different customs territories of countries outside the EU.
• Direct transit – goods are transported directly from point A to point B without changing their customs status.
• Indirect transit – allows goods to move with stops at various transit points, e.g. border crossings.

Goods in transit remain under customs supervision, and the competent customs authorities are responsible for control. Transit procedures within the EU are governed by customs law and international agreements, such as the Convention on Transit Trade.

Definition of transit

Transit is a customs procedure that allows carriers to transport goods through the territories of countries that are not directly involved in an international transaction, without paying customs and tax charges. This is possible thanks to international agreements such as the Convention and Statute on Freedom of Transit, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and the Convention on Transit Trade of Land-locked States. These rules ensure that goods can move across different territories, which is key for efficient transit trade.

Internal and external transit

• Internal transit – enables goods to be moved between internal customs offices within the EU without paying duties. This procedure is important because it facilitates efficient customs formalities for businesses moving goods between EU countries.
• External transit – concerns the movement of goods through the territory of a third country or a transit country without changing their customs status. Goods remain under customs control until they are released for free circulation or exported.

In both cases, transit takes place under customs supervision, which reduces the risk of abuse and ensures safe movement along the entire route.

Transit customs clearance Poland

Transit customs clearance is the process in which customs authorities complete formalities related to moving goods under the transit procedure, including procedures applicable in EU and EFTA countries. As part of the clearance process, border and inland customs offices handle:

• placing goods under the transit procedure,
• verifying documents such as transport documents and customs declarations,
• customs controls and granting goods transit status.

Our customs agency provides full support with transit clearance, helping with documentation, coordination with customs offices and monitoring the transit process – minimising the risk of delays and additional costs.

Types of goods transit

• Direct transit – goods are moved directly from dispatch to destination without a change in customs status.
• Indirect transit – movement with stops at various transit points, e.g. border crossings.
• Internal transit – movement within one customs territory, e.g. within the EU.
• External transit – movement through different customs territories of different countries.

Each type requires the relevant transit procedures and customs declarations in line with the customs rules applicable in a given country.

The Common Transit Convention and transit procedures

The Common Transit Convention is an international agreement facilitating the transit of goods between member countries. It introduces unified transit procedures, making it easier to move goods across borders of participating states.

Thanks to the Convention, businesses can benefit from:

• standardised forms and procedures,
• reduced costs and time needed for transit clearance,
• IT systems supporting the movement of goods.

The Convention’s rules align with EU customs law, supporting the free movement of goods within the EU customs territory and reducing customs formalities.

The TIR procedure

The TIR procedure (Transport International Routier) is an international transit system that enables goods to be transported through multiple countries without the need for customs checks at the borders of transit countries. Key features include:

• single transit document – the TIR carnet used as a transit document and a guarantee for customs duties,
• sealing of goods – ensures secure movement without the need to break seals during checks,
• reduced customs formalities – thanks to freedom of transit rules.

The TIR procedure is recognised worldwide, making international transport and transit through multiple countries easier.

Transit warehouse

A transit warehouse is a designated facility for storing goods during the transit or TIR procedure. These warehouses are important for secure storage while goods move through a country or region. Goods are kept under customs supervision, ensuring security and regulatory compliance.

Transit in Poland

In Poland, three main transit procedures apply: the national transit procedure, the TIR procedure, and the Union transit procedure. All are regulated by customs law and related legal provisions, ensuring safe and efficient movement of goods. Transit in Poland is important for international trade, enabling fast and secure movement of goods between countries. Thanks to relevant rules and procedures, Poland is a major transit hub in Europe.

Why entrust us with your transit clearance?

Entrusting transit clearance to our customs agency means professionalism, reliability and compliance with regulations. Our team has extensive experience in transit procedures, allowing us to manage all formalities effectively.

Trust our specialists and use our services to ensure security in international trade and smooth international transport.