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Doncaster’s iPort Rail gains customs status

[ June 21, 2021   //   ]

iPort Rail in Doncaster has become the UK’s first Strategic Rail Freight Interchange (SFRI) to be given government approval for an on-site customs area.

businesses can now clear customs in South Yorkshire and move goods through the Channel Tunnel by rail in both directions, avoiding UK road congestion and sea port disruption.

The new customs capability includes a temporary storage facility creating an approved area where inventory-linked goods under customs control can be held until they are released to free circulation, with duties charged on release. It also has an area for UK Border Force authorities to examine and take account of goods. iPort Rail has secured HMRC Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status.

iPort Rail is part of the 800-acre iPort multimodal hub being developed by European logistics real estate specialists Verdion. Since opening three years ago it has built up eight daily services to and from UK seaports, moving around 500 containers per day.

Managing Director, iPort Rail, Steve Freeman, said: “Rail freight is an underused resource in the UK. Each train can take more than 70 HGVs off the road and it’s especially efficient for long distance journeys as well as being greener.

“Being able to clear customs in Doncaster should be a greater incentive for businesses to consider Channel Tunnel rail services for getting their goods into and out of Europe. As well as reliability and sustainability factors, shorter journey times outside customs controls and the ability to store bonded goods can be an advantage.

“In time we hope to coordinate our services with partners in the new freeports but until then, our new customs facility can operate independently and is ready to start helping businesses immediately.”

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