Which documents need to be presented for cross-border transport of goods?
September 22, 2022 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Konrad Falk
Dear lawyer specializing in transport and logistics law,
My name is Eva Hofmannsdorf and I am the managing director of a medium-sized logistics company. We specialize in cross-border transport of goods and have been experiencing increasing problems with the presentation of documents during our transports.
The current situation is as follows: We regularly transport goods from Germany to France and back. We are unsure about which documents we need to present in order to avoid issues with the authorities. So far, we have mainly used delivery notes and consignment notes, however in some cases these were not accepted, leading to delays and additional costs.
Therefore, the current situation is characterized by uncertainty and lack of clarity regarding the required documents for cross-border transport. We would like to ensure that we present all necessary documents correctly to ensure smooth transports and avoid any legal consequences.
My concerns are that we could face difficulties and put our reputation and business at risk due to missing or incorrect documents. Therefore, I wonder which documents are mandatory for cross-border transport of goods and if there are any specific regulations for transport between Germany and France.
Could you provide me with possible solutions on how we can ensure that we present all required documents correctly and thus ensure smooth transports? I look forward to your professional advice and thank you in advance.
Yours sincerely,
Eva Hofmannsdorf
Dear Mrs. Hofmannsdorf,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the necessary documents for cross-border transportation of goods between Germany and France. As a lawyer specializing in transport and logistics law, I am happy to assist you and provide you with some recommendations on how to avoid potential issues with authorities.
Generally, there are some documents that must be presented when transporting goods across borders. These typically include the consignment note, also known as the CMR consignment note, the invoice, the delivery note, proof of insurance, and customs documents. The consignment note is an internationally standardized document that contains essential information about the transported goods and serves as proof of the transport. The delivery note is important for confirming the receipt of the goods. The invoice is necessary to explain the value of the goods, and the insurance papers serve as proof of any insurance coverage for the goods during transport. Customs documents are particularly important for cross-border transports to ensure smooth customs clearance.
When it comes to transportation between Germany and France, there are specific regulations that need to be followed. Both countries are part of the European Union, which means that EU regulations and standards generally apply. However, there are also country-specific regulations that must be observed. For example, certain goods may require additional permits or certificates depending on the type of goods and their intended use. It is advisable to familiarize yourself with the specific regulations for transportation between Germany and France and ensure that all necessary documents are in order.
To ensure that you correctly present all necessary documents and guarantee smooth transports, I recommend creating a checklist listing all required documents. This checklist should be reviewed for each transport to ensure that nothing is overlooked. Additionally, maintaining close communication with your transport partners is advisable to ensure that they also present all necessary documents.
If you continue to experience difficulties with document submission, I recommend seeking assistance from an experienced logistics lawyer who can support you with legal matters. Professional advice can help you avoid potential legal consequences and ensure smooth handling of your transports.
I hope that this information has been helpful to you, and I am available to answer any further questions you may have.
Best regards,
Konrad Falk
Lawyer specializing in transport and logistics law
