T1 only for outside Europe, or what was it again?
Worldwide transport of alcoholic drinks entails the necessary documentation. To ensure smooth transit of goods around the world, documents such as the T1 and T2 export documents are required. The transport of goods through the European Union without paying (import) duties is subject to the regulations of a transit document. But what is the difference between a T1 and T2 customs status? And what do these codes exactly mean?
What is the difference between T1 and T2 customs status?
The difference between a T1 customs document and a T2 customs document is, besides the actual content of the cargo, about where you can sell the goods. Products with a T1 customs status can only be sold outside the EU. Goods that have a T2 status can be sold both within and outside the EU. The document that should be used generally depends on where you want or have to pay your customs duties. If you have permission from the brand owner, you can turn T1 items into T2 items to be able to sell it in the EU. Below, we explain exactly what which document entails.
What is a T1 transit document?
A T1 transport document refers to products that are produced in or for use outside the EU. Products with a T1 status may only be sold outside the EU for circulation. Before VATs and import duties are paid, these goods can’t be traded. By drawing up a T1 document, you can clear the goods domestically. This often happens when sensitive goods, like alcohol, need to be checked by customs authorities. If you have the manufacturer’s permission, you can also sell T1 products inside the EU.
When is a T1 document required?
T1 documents are required to transit goods that enter the EU but it’s not clear if they stay within the European territory. It is also necessary for goods that will be stored at a customs bonded warehouse in the EU. As a result, no import duties have to be paid. The T1 document is also mandatory for outgoing shipments that are sent from your customs warehouse. When the goods arrive at the final destination, the T1 document must be closed to avoid additional customs tax.
Are the goods sold within the EU? The moment the goods are sold, a customs clearance is made, so that you can freely market the goods.
What is a T2 transit document?
A T2 transport document refers to products that are produced in or for use within the EU. With a T2 transport document you can easily drive to your destination without waiting for hours at the border. If, for example, you have to go to Italy, but drive through Switserland (Non-EU) for logistics reasons, you can pass through without paying import duties at the border by showing a T2 export document. A T2 transport document enables you to do so as goods that have a T2 status are goods that are in free circulation within the EU.
When is a T2 document required?
A T2 document is used for cross-border transportation of goods within the EU and also when passing through non-EU countries during the route.
How do you get a transit document?
A wholesaler is not allowed to prepare these shipping documents themselves as these are transport documents for customs. The transit procedure starts at the warehouse where they make up the document. In our case Top Logistics does this. After this, the goods are transported and are checked upon arrival, after which the document is closed. Thereby, customs know in which country the products are located and the excise duties that have to be paid.
What does a T1 or T2 document look like?
These documents used to be real paper documents that had to travel with the goods. Nowadays, this no longer happens, and the documents are digitally stored in the EMCS system, where customs can track the shipment. After receiving the goods, the recipient will close the document online (receipt) so that the customs in that country know the excise duties that have to be paid.
There is a lot of information that needs to be filled out for the transit document. We have listed the information that is needed:
- Sender details
- Recipient details
- Total number of packages
- Total weight
- Customs tariff number
- Country of export
- Country of destination
- Place of loading/unloading
- Transit number
How do you know if the items are T1 or T2?
When buying liquor at a wholesaler, how do you know if the goods have a T1 customs status or a T2 customs status? In our Sales Portal, you can see all product information 24/7 in realtime, including the custom status. Don’t you have access to the Sales Portal, but do you receive our pricelists? A column has been added that indicates the customs status of the products. Are you curious about our assortment? We always have over 2,000+ brands in stock!
