Questions and Answers

Sea shipping is a popular method of transportation when vehicles need to be moved across long distances, such as international shipments between different continents. If you decide to ship your company car by ship, then a closed container is the safest solution. In addition to container transport, there are also so-called RO-RO ships (roll-on/roll-off ships), which are designed to transport “rolling” or wheeled cargo such as cars, trailers, etc. They have built-in internal ramps that allow the cargo to roll during loading and unloading, and the cars are secured on the open deck during transport. Although this solution is less expensive, it does not provide the same level of protection as container transport. Inside the container, cars are protected from the weather, dust and road debris. Thus, container transport is frequently used for luxury, classic, old-timer, or high-value vehicles that require special care and protection while in transit. Enclosed transport is slightly more costly than open transport, but it provides more security. If you plan to ship your car by container, keep the following things in mind: Vehicle dimensions: Before arranging transport, it is necessary to know the dimensions of your vehicle (length, width, and height), as this will influence the choiceof the appropriate container and ensure that your car will fit inside it. Choosing a container: Choosing a suitable container depends on the size, type, and number of vehicles you plan to transport. Vehicle preparation: It is importantto adequately prepare the vehicle prior to loading. This includes cleaning the vehicle, removing personal belongings, draining the fuel, and confirming that all vehicle components are working. A minimum fuel level reduces not only the weight of the shipment, but also the risk of potential damage. Lashing and securing: Vehicles must be securely fastened during transit to prevent movement and damage. Special straps are used to further secure the vehicle inside the container. Insurance: Because vehicles are valuable assets, they must be properly insured. Due to the increased risk of damage or theft, it is advisable to pay an additional fee for insurance. Tracking and transparency: To facilitate your transport planning, find a logistics partner who allows you to track the shipment and provide information about its journey. Vehicle value: The value of the vehicle affects the handling of the transport itself, the cost of customs duties, and insurance rates. Logistics and paperwork: Careful logistics and paperwork are required to plan the transport. This includes creating loading and unloading schedules, tracking trips, and completing the necessary legal paperwork. Transporting any typeof goods across borders requiresknowledge of the importing country’s customs and regulatory procedures. These guidelines will assist you in properly preparing your vehicle for container shipping. cargo-partner‘s logistics professionals will gladly provide you with additional advice and ensure the smooth and safe delivery of your vehicle to its final destination. Best regards, cargo-partner | transport + iLogistics

Modern times have brought tremendous advances in technology and in the automotive industry, but they have also increased the complexity of the supply chain. Due to the unique nature of this business, the transport of automotive parts can present a number of challenges. In the following, we will examine what to consider when it comes to transport in the automotive industry:

Sensitivity to damage: Automotive parts are often sensitive to shock, vibration, and external impact, requiring proper

protection and packaging to prevent damage during transport. This may include special packaging, padding, covers, protective coatings, and shock-absorbing materials.

Handling: To prevent damage, fragile items such as glass, auto bodyparts, or electrical components must be handled carefully. Personnel should be trained in how to handle automotive parts and the associated special equipment.

Dimensions and special requirements: Automotive parts range in size from small electrical components to huge car body panels. Selecting the appropriate mode of transport will depend on the height, width, and weight of the cargo. Large and heavy shipments require the use of a logistics partner capable of providing specialized

trucks and integrated systems, while items such as batteries or chemical materials may require unique transit conditions or permits due to potential risks or restrictions.

Availability and speed: The automotive sector has created complex supply chains involving numerous suppliers and distributors. It can be difficult to get everyone in the chain to work together and follow the rules, and it becomes even more difficult when availability and speed of delivery are equally important. You may be familiar with the JIT (just in time) and JIS (just in sequence) inventory management techniques developed by automotive manufacturers to minimize “idle time” on the assembly line. From all this, we can conclude that the transport of automotive parts cannot be considered in isolation, but rather as part of a logistics chain in which transport routes and speeds must be coordinated with production dynamics. In addition to scheduled shipments, there are sometimes very sudden and urgent deliveries, which is why working with a flexible logistics partner can provide a significant competitive advantage.

cargo-partner has created a special EMERGENCY service to meet the needs of its customers. A team of cargo-partner experts is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to offer you the best solution for truly urgent shipments and ensure priority in scheduling air transport and customs clearance. cargo-partner’s online platform SPOT provides easy access to important documents and the ability to track your shipment at any time.

Customs and legal requirements:International shipping of automotive parts can be subject to a variety of customs duties, fees, and laws. Large manufacturers’ factories are typically located within free trade zones, allowing vehicle parts to be transported between countries without paying customs charges until they are incorporated into the final product. However, legal requirements can also slow down the delivery process and require additional paperwork and administration.

Based on many years of experience in working with leading manufacturers producers and suppliers around the world, cargo-partner can provide comprehensive advice and support in automotive logistics: from transport and warehousing up to customs and documentation.

Best regards,
cargo-partner | transport + iLogistics

 

When goods are imported for processing, i.e. when they undergo some kind of processing, repair, transformation, or value addition before being re-exported, companies are often exempt from paying duties or entitled to a refund. By taking advantage of these benefits, companies can lower their production costs and increase their competitiveness in the global marketplace.

This is also known as a “special purpose customs procedure” or “customs procedure for processing goods with re-export”. This customs procedure usually requires special permits, records and customs documentation to track the journey and processing of the goods. Failure to comply with this procedure can result in customs violations and fines.

Here are some important things to keep in mind:

Customs procedures:Familiarize yourself with all applicable customs procedures, including those relatedto import/export for processing in your country of origin.

Merchandise management: Keep careful records of the imported goods and their movement through the production process. To facilitate thelater export of the finished product, you must explicitly identify and document any imported raw materials or components.

The ability to re-export duty-free depends on the laws in the country of origin, so be sure to review them. In some cases, the commodity must undergo sufficienttransformation in the importingcountryto qualify for an export duty refund.

Enrichment value: Make sure to calculate the enrichment value accurately. This is typically the price differencebetween the imported raw materials and the final exportable product. This value is used to calculate customs benefits or refunds.

Deadlines: Comply with all deadlines related to import/export for processing, including the period in which the finished product must be exported to qualify for duty drawback or refund.

Documentation: Maintain accurate and complete import and export documentation. This includes customs declarations, invoices, certificates of origin, and any other relevant documents.

If you need support with any aspect of this process, consult cargo-partner experts in customs and international trade to ensure a successful and legal import/export of your items.

Best regards,
cargo-partner | transport + iLogistics

Importing used products might be challenging because their expected lifespan is much shorter than that of new products, which is why international trade in them is governed by the Waste Management Law in Serbia. The Ministry of Environmental Protection has specified the second-hand/used items for which an import permit is required.

Used construction and agricultural machinery are the most common items exported to the Balkan market, although there are other categories as well, such as second-hand clothing.

When importing used goods from other countries, the first step is to verify that you own the goods, and the next critical piece of information is their intended use.

Import of used machinery

When importing a used machine to be used as equipment in your business, the invoice is supported by SBRA (Serbian Business Registers Agency) documentation as proof that the machine is being purchased for the performance of the main activity. In the case of agricultural machinery, this meansproof of a registered agricultural holding. The machinery must be in goodworking order. If the import of certain equipment is subject to international trade policy measures (permits, import approvals), a permit from the relevant Ministry or state agency is required.

Transporting machinery requires a lot of technical knowledge. In addition to what we discussed in What information must be included when requesting a transport quote?, you will need to provide further information, such as whether side loading orwrenching isneeded to move the machine, whether the equipment contains oil, and so on…

As it is illegal to import substandard goods, you will also need to provide evidence of the quality of the goods. To be able to supply machinery for export, many suppliers have to pass quality tests conducted by significant organizations such as SGS, Veritas, or Intertek.

Import of second-hand clothing

Second-hand stores in Serbia are not regulated by any particular business legislation; they operate as specialized businesses for the sale of used products. Importers of used clothing are exempt from the requirement to obtain special permits for the import of waste, thanks to a special law issued by the Ministry of Environmental Protection. Only one requirement must be met: the clothing must be categorized, cleaned, and of “as new” quality.

Similar rules apply to lower-quality clothing, which may have some stains. In the case of footwear, there is an exception to this rule. Since the owner cannot disinfect and restore used footwear to a high standard, it is classified as garbage and cannotbe imported into Serbia for resale or humanitarian purposes.
Second-hand clothing is purchased by the kilogram from wholesalers, most of whom are based in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Germany, while used machinery is imported from all over the world.

Several factors will determine which mode of transport is appropriate for importing your used items. Dimensions, quantity, supplier region, price, and time sensitivity are just a few of the considerations when deciding whether to use a single truck, a groupage line, a ship, or air freight.
If you’re having trouble navigating all these regulations, contact the professionals at cargo-partner, who will advise you in detail on the necessary procedures and the best solutions for your journey – because “we take it personally”!

Best regards,
cargo-partner | transport + iLogistics