If goods are transported across several transit countries or customs territories within Europe, import duties or other charges may have to be paid at various points and corresponding refunds applied for. With the Union transit procedure, you can transport goods with just one customs clearance. It simplifies the movement of goods and customs regulations between the member states of the European Union as well as Andorra and San Marino. Goods can be transported from the point of origin to their final destination, where customs regulations and national tax regulations are fulfilled.

To make it easier to place your goods under the Union transit procedure, you as a company or individual can apply for the status of "authorized consignor".

The authorization of the "status of an authorized consignor" enables you to open Union transit procedures independently even outside the opening hours of the customs office of departure at the locations permitted in the authorization. The clearance and control obligations of the customs office of departure are transferred to you as the holder of the authorization. You may

• issue transit declarations,
• Seal means of transport or packages in accordance with customs law,
• transport goods without the customs office having to become involved,
• process your imports and exports electronically with the customs authorities via the NCTS system (New Computerized Transit System).

An "authorized consignor" status granted in Germany only applies to Union transit procedures that begin in Germany. Once approved, you do not have to renew the status.