The convention provides the legal framework setting out the obligations on traders and customs authorities for goods in customs transit* from one contracting party to another. It covers the EU-27 (as one contracting party) and 8 common transit countries (Iceland, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine and the United Kingdom) as separate contracting parties.

The decision approves the convention on behalf of the European Community (now the European Union).

KEY POINTS

The convention:

introduces a common transit procedure for goods moved under customs transit supervision between contracting parties;
sets out obligations on the person (known as ‘the holder of the transit procedure’) introducing a transit declaration to:
- present the goods intact and the necessary information to customs office destinations within the agreed time limit;
- observe customs transit rules;
- provide a guarantee sufficient to cover any debt which might arise. Specific rules apply to debt recovery.
lists obligations on customs offices in the countries of departure and destination, such as:
- verifying the data are complete;
- perform custom control, if applicable:
- agreeing a time limit for delivery;
- checking appropriate seals are in place;
- providing a proof that the goods have been delivered and confirm the correct ending of the procedure.
stipulates that each transit declaration should cover only those goods being moved from one customs office to another by a single means of transport.
provides detailed instructions on the data elements in a transit declaration, including common codes (in order to avoid any linguistic differences between contracting parties).

An electronic transit system is used to complete customs formalities, except in specific circumstances (e.g. goods carried by rail where paper is permissible).

Transit simplifications can apply to reliable traders

Countries may agree to operate simplified procedures between themselves through bilateral or multilateral agreements.

Countries must cooperate with each other regarding mutual assistance for the recovery of claims.

FROM WHEN DO THE DECISION AND THE CONVENTION APPLY?

The convention entered into force and has applied since 1 January 1988.

BACKGROUND

The common customs transit procedure allows goods to move efficiently across borders of the contracting parties and simplifies customs formalities.

For more information, see:

Common and Union transit (European Commission).

KEY TERMS

Transit: a procedure whereby goods are transported under the control of customs authorities between the contracting parties.

MAIN DOCUMENTS

Council Decision 87/415/EEC of 15 June 1987 concerning the conclusion of a Convention between the European Community, the Republic of Austria, the Republic of Finland, the Republic of Iceland, the Kingdom of Norway, the Kingdom of Sweden and the Swiss Confederation on a common transit procedure (OJ L 226, 13.8.1987, p. 1)

Convention between the European Economic Community, the Republic of Austria, the Republic of Finland, the Republic of Iceland, the Kingdom of Norway, the Kingdom of Sweden and the Swiss Confederation, on a common transit procedure (OJ L 226, 13.8.1987, pp. 2-117)

Successive amendments to the Convention have been incorporated into the original document. This consolidated version is of documentary value only.

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Convention on a common transit procedure

SUMMARY OF:

WHAT IS THE AIM OF THE CONVENTION AND DECISION?

KEY POINTS

FROM WHEN DO THE DECISION AND THE CONVENTION APPLY?

BACKGROUND

KEY TERMS

MAIN DOCUMENTS

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