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  • Freight Services general

Changes in operations in UK traffic

Year 2021 is approaching and with it the end of the transition period that the United Kingdom has had after leaving the European Union, Single Market and Customs Union.

Finnlines has a long-term commitment to serving the UK market and we want to ensure that our services will be available – frequencies, transit times and reliability unaltered.

However, import and export procedures will become more complex, and the information submitted to the Customs authority will be more extensive and detailed.

The following points have to be kept in mind when shipping to/from UK.

Trailers, lorries

Exports from Finland to the United Kingdom

For export bookings, we need the following information from you:

  • Clear descriptions of goods
  • Quantities and types of packages
  • Exact weight of the cargo
  • HS codes (to at least 6 digits)
  • Customs seal numbers, if used
  • Contact details if you use an agent at either end to make customs declarations

We also need copies of export documents

Documents will have a separate closing time, see below.

Arex export declarations

  • Our port operators send the required Arex declarations to Customs confirming the exit of the goods from the EU and closing the export.

Nota bene

Arex fee EUR 6/unit will be charged starting January 2021. It will be automatically invoiced through the sea freight unless otherwise agreed.

Imports from the United Kingdom to Finland

Gate service ends in Helsinki

  • Import terminal advice needs to be presented to port operators (also in Kotka)
  • The truck picking up the unit must be identified

Automatic release will not be available

  • In addition to the import terminal advice, the customs declaration (transit, customs clearance, etc.) must be provided to the port operator.
  • The unit can only be handed over from the terminal against them.
  • Import terminal advice and other required documents should be sent to [email protected]

Arrival notices

  • For UK imports to Finland, MRNs with CCID numbers
  • Unloading time estimates will be provided as usual

Nota bene

Arex fee EUR 6/unit will be charged starting January 2021. The fee will be automatically invoiced through the sea freight.

Containers, mobile units, break bulk

Same procedure as above for both import and export.

Documents will have a separate closing time, see below.

Nota bene

Arex fee will be charged starting January 2021.

Containers and mobile units: EUR 6/unit, break bulk: EUR 6/shipment. The fee will be automatically invoiced through the sea freight, except for break bulk export.

For more information, please contact your Finnlines Customer Service or Sales representative.

Helsinki-HullCargo closingDocuments closing
Trailers / lorries (non-hazardous cargo)day of sailing at 14:00day of sailing at 09:00
Trailers / lorries (hazardous cargo)day of sailing at 12:00day of sailing at 09:00
Containers (incl. hazardous cargo), mobile cargoday before sailing at 15:00day before sailing at 12:00
Break bulk2 days before sailing at 15:00day before sailing at 12:00