9 Apr 2020
Severe disruption of global supply chains
As a result of the Covid-19 virus and its impact on the global population, there is currently also a severe disruption of the global supply chains.
In most countries worldwide, priority is given to the transportation of food and medical devices in the fight against the corona virus.
As a result, measures have also been introduced by Europe, to grant an exemption from import duties and VAT on goods imported in the fight against Covid-19.
More information can be found in our previous news item.
Lockdown rules are different in each involved country
In countries that are in lockdown, there are different rules per country.
We recommend you to stay in close contact with your buyer, to see if he can receive the cargo you intend to ship.
For example, in South Africa, the truckers have to make an appointment to collect or deliver the cargo at the terminals.
The (un)loading of container ships in ports is sometimes delayed
In fear of contaminations of the crew on some container ships, they are not allowed to (un)load their cargo directly in the ports. As a result, the (un)loading of the cargo is sometimes delayed.
Railway transport from China to Europe is rising
Train traffic from China to Europe is slowly rising again. This after activities are being resumed in China.
Europe and logistics digitalization
In addition to encouraging the use of digital transport letters such as E-CMR, Europe has now set up temporary measures so that official health certificates also can be presented digitally for reviewing.
Easter weekend
Please note that during the coming Easter weekend, the ports will also be closed;
this applies to Germany and the UK on Friday due to Good Friday and also among others to Belgium, the Netherlands, and France on Easter Monday.
Although most of our employees are working from home, our business is up and running.
Please let us know if there’s anything we can do to help you!