From early 2027, shippers and carriers using Sevington Inland Border Facility will need alternative arrangements for starting customs transit movements following changes announced by HMRC.

The changes will see customs transit services currently provided at Sevington ceasing and transferred to alternative facilities. While the precise implementation date has yet to be confirmed, businesses relying on Sevington to start or end transit movements should begin considering their options now.

HMRC has confirmed that businesses will be able to use alternative border facilities, approved transit simplifications or the services of an Authorised Consignor.

For shippers, freight forwarders and road transport operators moving goods between the UK and Europe, this represents an important change to existing customs arrangements.

Efret offers an alternative to Sevington

As an HMRC-approved Authorised Consignor, Efret is accredited to provide an alternative solution for businesses that would otherwise rely on Sevington to initiate their customs transit movements.

Authorised Consignor status is a significant customs approval, awarded only to businesses that demonstrate high standards of compliance, operational control and record-keeping.

Efret's accreditation, alongside its established Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status, reflects the company's commitment to maintaining rigorous customs standards and providing reliable cross-border freight solutions.

Crucially, Efret also has the necessary technical platforms and in-house customs expertise to deliver this service on behalf of third-party shippers and carriers, including businesses that do not hold their own Authorised Consignor approval.

Helping shippers and carriers avoid unnecessary delays

With the withdrawal of transit facilities at Sevington, businesses will need to consider how best to maintain efficient customs procedures without introducing additional costs or disruption to their transport operations.

Using Efret's Authorised Consignor service can offer several important advantages:

• Reduced delays: Avoiding unnecessary visits to border customs facilities can help minimise waiting times and congestion.
• Simplified customs administration: Efret's experienced customs team can manage the necessary formalities, reducing the administrative burden on customers.
• Lower transport costs: Fewer diversions and additional stops can reduce mileage, fuel consumption and driver hours.
• Greater flexibility: Transit movements can be initiated from approved locations, providing greater control over vehicle departure schedules.
• Improved supply chain reliability: More predictable departures and fewer unnecessary interruptions help protect time-sensitive deliveries.

For carriers and shippers, Efret's service provides access to an established customs solution without the need to obtain their own Authorised Consignor status or invest in the associated technical infrastructure.

Preparing for the 2027 changes

Although the existing Sevington arrangements remain operational for now, the planned changes are part of a wider transition away from government-funded inland border facilities towards customs infrastructure provided by commercial border operators.

Similar changes are planned at Holyhead, where customs operations are expected to transfer to facilities within the port from early 2027.

For businesses regularly moving goods through Dover and Eurotunnel, reviewing customs arrangements ahead of these changes could help avoid disruption and ensure continuity of service.

With its combination of Authorised Consignor approval, AEO accreditation, in-house customs expertise and established European road freight operations, Efret is well placed to support businesses adapting to the new arrangements.

Shippers, carriers and freight forwarders wishing to understand how the changes at Sevington may affect their operations are welcome to contact Efret's customs team to discuss the options available.

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