Eurotunnel is to use a new web portal to shift customs clearance away from Kent's ports.

It hopes it will allow those importing and exporting goods to speed up the process after new regulations came into force following Brexit.

It will use SGS TransitNet, an online system developed by SGS, "a world leader in inspection, controls and certification".

Aimed at those wishing to move their goods under Common Transit customs procedures and carry out their customs clearance operations away from the border.

Customs clearance operations can be carried out at a customs office closer to the goods’ destination: Paris, London, or Birmingham, instead of Dover or Calais.

Eurotunnel hopes by moving away from border points where flows are concentrated, there is a reduction in customs clearance and control times.

Christian Dufermont, its freight commercial director, said: “This web-based transit solution is another offer to our customers in clearing their goods and to ensure them efficient passage at the border for customs clearance operations and controls.”

Mary Senigou, of SGS France, added: “We created this solution to facilitate the flow of goods for importers and exporters located in the UK. We are delighted that it is being rolled out to Eurotunnel customers. We hope that this will save them precious time and help them to avoid completing complex, time-consuming and expensive customs formalities.”

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