Articles | Ziegler

Managing customs activities effectively is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge and ensuring the efficiency of your supply chain. However, navigating the complexities of customs procedures can be challenging.

This article will explore the critical aspects of customs management and how Ziegler Group offers unique and flexible solutions to fulfil your company’s specific requirements.

The Significance of Customs Matters

Smooth customs operations are vital for the seamless movement of goods across borders. Customs matters can be broadly categorized into five key areas: regulations, origin, regime, tariff number (HS Code), and customs value.

Each plays a crucial role in determining the economic nationality of items, facilitating accurate identification, and assessing the true economic value of imported products.

1. Know the customs regulations

Customs regulations have an impact on the flow of your imports, exports and goods within the processing operations. They can save you costs, simplify your logistics process and provide numerous other benefits. Good knowledge of the regulations gives a positive impact on your business.

2. Origin Determination

Determining the customs origin of your items is essential to leverage tariff advantages provided by the European Union (EU) in its trade agreements with other nations.

Ziegler Group helps you navigate through the complexities of determining whether your items have preferential or non-preferential customs origin, ensuring you benefit from tariff advantages while complying with regulations.

3. Importance of Knowing Your Customs Regime

Knowing your customs regime is vital for foreign trade. It ensures efficient import-export processes, enables customs control, and provides universal classification.

By understanding and adhering to the appropriate customs regime, you streamline operations, comply with regulations, and facilitate accurate identification and valuation of goods. Mastering customs activities and partnering with experienced management services like Ziegler Group help optimize your supply chain and maintain competitiveness in the global market.

4. Understanding Tariff Numbers (HS Code)

The Harmonized System (HS) code serves as an identification card for your merchandise. It provides a numerical coding system that categorizes different types of goods eligible for import.

Ziegler Group’s expertise in customs management enables accurate classification of goods, ensuring compliance with customs duty rates, trade regulations, safety standards, and domestic taxation requirements.

5. Evaluating Customs Value

Accurately determining the customs value of imported products is crucial for financial planning and compliance. Ziegler Group assists you in calculating the true economic value by considering various factors such as packaging and container costs, transport and insurance costs, royalties and licensing fees, and sales commissions.

This comprehensive approach ensures proper valuation and minimizes the risk of additional expenditures and penalties.

The Consequences of Inadequate Customs Operations

Mismanaged customs activities can lead to logistical, financial, and legal complications. Improper documentation or issues with the physical nature of your items during customs clearance can disrupt your supply chain and result in additional costs. Non-compliance with customs regulations and disclosure errors can lead to fines ranging from 125 to thousands of euros, and in severe cases, even imprisonment.

Ziegler Group’s Customized Solutions

Ziegler Group understands the challenges and opportunities multinational businesses face in customs operations. With our expertise in customs clearance procedures and optimization solutions, we help streamline your customs operations, making your flow of goods faster and more efficient. Our flexible approach caters to your unique requirements, ensuring compliance, reducing costs, and enhancing your competitiveness in the global market.

Mastering customs activities is essential for maintaining a competitive edge and ensuring the effectiveness of your supply chain. With Ziegler Group’s comprehensive understanding of customs procedures and commitment to customized solutions, you can optimize your customs operations and build a resilient supply chain that can withstand future fluctuations.

From Cacao Fields to Chocolatiers:

For many years, Ziegler Group has been at the forefront of importing cocoa from Brazil, Indonesia, Ivory Coast, and other renowned regions. However, our journey doesn’t end there. For over 10 years we have been also working with final product manufacturers, enabling us to export chocolates from the renowned chocolate-producing countries of Belgium and Switzerland. This collaboration allows us to ensure a seamless supply chain, guaranteeing the finest chocolates find their way to chocolate lovers worldwide.

A Symphony of Transportation:

The transportation of chocolates is a delicate dance requiring expert choreography. We often rely on multimodal transportation solutions to transport these precious goods. With hot climates posing a challenge during certain periods of the year, we leave no room for compromise. Ziegler Group takes charge from A to Z, leveraging our extensive network of branches across Europe to meticulously monitor and follow up on the goods’ journey, ensuring their safe arrival.

Temperature-Controlled Haven:

At the heart of our chocolate logistics lies our temperature-controlled warehouse. Picture a sanctuary where each chocolate’s delicate essence is preserved. Our warehouse maintains a consistent temperature throughout the year, carefully monitored to ensure optimal conditions. To further safeguard these delicate treats, we strategically position them in locations with minimal temperature variations—far away from loading docks and at the ground level. Every step is taken to create a haven that cherishes the integrity of every chocolate bar and truffle.

Innovative Packaging Solutions:

Temperature control doesn’t stop at the warehouse’s edge. We go the extra mile to ensure that chocolates remain in a cocoon of ideal conditions during transportation. Ziegler Group collaborates with our subsidiary, Worldpack, an expert in specialized packaging. Together, we engineer packaging solutions that maintain stable temperatures, safeguarding the chocolates’ quality. Whether it’s repacking pallets with thermo-blankets before departure on a plane or creating self-made boxes that keep pralines at the perfect temperature for many days, our dedication to preserving the integrity of these delicacies knows no bounds.

The Race Against Time:

Chocolates, like many delightful things in life, have an expiration date. At Ziegler Group, we understand the importance of ensuring that the chocolates we transport are fit for consumption before they leave our warehouse. Our meticulous system keeps track of expiration dates, guaranteeing that only the freshest and most exquisite chocolates make their way into the hands of eager chocolate enthusiasts. This meticulous attention to detail forms the foundation of our commitment to delivering excellence.

Navigating the Regulatory Maze:

As purveyors of goods meant for human consumption, chocolates require special authorizations, certificates, and customs procedures. At Ziegler Group, we take pride in our comprehensive understanding of the complex regulatory landscape. Armed with the necessary certifications, including HACCP and phytosanitary certificates, we also navigate the intricacies of customs procedures, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free journey for these delightful treats. Your satisfaction and safety are at the forefront of our operations.

As we celebrate World Chocolate Day, let’s recognize the unwavering commitment of logistics providers in delivering the world’s finest chocolates to your local stores. From sourcing premium cacao to ensuring seamless transportation, warehousing, and regulatory compliance, every step is taken with utmost care.

So, as you indulge in that exquisite piece of chocolate, cherish the journey it took across the world to you!

Welcome to the world of the Fourth Industrial Revolution – an era where businesses are integrating artificial intelligence and advanced automation in everything they do. This digitization is transforming the sea transport industry too. The industry is changing at a rapid pace and the fifth industrial revolution might be on the horizon, especially with the urgency of the climate crisis and the need to make shipping more environmentally friendly.

Predicting the future can be exciting, but it’s also risky because there are so many unknowns. Just think about how nobody would have predicted the recent upheavals in our world five years ago, and how these events have completely transformed the shipping market. With the pandemic, sea transport had to adjust to a significant drop in demand, leading to reduced capacity and higher transport costs. There were also shortages of containers and slowdowns in supply chains, which contributed to the surge in inflation in 2022.

While it’s impossible to predict exactly what will happen between now and 2030, we can already see some exciting trends emerging. But with every risk comes new opportunities, so we need to take a global perspective when looking ahead. This includes hyper-specialization of economies, geopolitical uncertainties, ecological transitions, and technological innovations. It’s going to be an exciting few years ahead, and we’re proud to be part of these changes and help our clients navigate through them.

That’s why we’ve put together this e-book, based on our years of experience and expertise in sea freight management. We hope it will help you navigate through this changing and sometimes challenging environment, so you can stay on course and better understand what the future holds. Click and get ready to join us on this thrilling journey!

Incoterms, short for International Commercial Terms, are the standardised set of trade terms we use in international transactions to define the responsibilities and obligations of buyers and sellers regarding the delivery of goods.

They clarify the distribution of costs, risks, and responsibilities between the buyer and the seller. By specifying who is responsible for various aspects of the shipping process, such as transportation, insurance, customs clearance, and delivery, they help to prevent misunderstandings and disputes.

We’ve set out our most commonly used Incoterms to provide clarity and understanding, further strengthening our efforts to maintain smooth international transaction with our customers.

CFR: Cost & Freight

The seller is responsible for transporting the cargo to the buyer’s port. Once the goods have arrived at the port, the responsibility transfers to the buyer. The buyer then must unload the cargo and import the goods into the destination country, followed by importing and delivering to the final destination.

CIF: Cost, Insurance & Freight

The seller is responsible for the costs to ship and insure the cargo to the buyers requested port. Once the goods arrive at port, the responsibility of the goods transfers to the buyer. The buyer then must cover the costs to unload, import, and deliver their shipment. CIF requires the seller to purchase freight insurance.

CIP: Carriage & Insurance Paid

The seller must cover the costs to ship and insure the cargo to the defined place of delivery. The shipment transfers to the buyer after the cargo is unloaded and delivered to the terminal. After the goods are unloaded and delivered to the defined terminal, the shipment transfers to the buyer. The buyer must import and fulfill the remainder of the shipping process to move the goods to the final destination. CIP requires the seller to purchase freight insurance.

CPT: Carriage Paid To

The seller must ship and unload the cargo from the vessel at the defined place of delivery. Once the goods are unloaded, the cargo transfers to the buyer, who is then responsible for importing and transporting the freight to the final destination.

DAP: Delivered at Place

The seller must deliver the cargo to the final, defined destination. Once delivered the cargo transfers to the buyer. The buyer must unload the shipment from the truck. The buyer is also responsible for import duty, taxes, and customs clearance.

DAP Cleared: Delivered at Place (cleared)

Essentially exactly the same as DAP but clearance is prepaid by the shipper whilst duties and taxes are still paid by the importer.

DDP: Delivered Duty Paid

The seller is responsible for delivering the cargo to the final destination, and paying the import duty, taxes, and customs clearance. Once the cargo arrives at the destination, the responsibility transfers to the buyer, who must cover the costs to unload the shipment. DDP is the only Incoterm that requires the seller to pay all duty charges.

DPU: Delivered at Place Unloaded

The seller must deliver and unload the cargo to the final destination. Once the shipment is successfully unloaded at the buyer’s warehouse, the responsibility transfers to the buyer. The buyer is responsible for import duty, taxes, and customs clearance.

EXW: Ex-Works or Ex-Warehouse

The seller is responsible for packing the products and making the goods available. The cargo is transferred to the buyer while the freight is still at the seller’s site. The buyer is then responsible for exporting, shipping, and importing the cargo to their destination.

FAS: Free Alongside Ship

The seller must manage the full export process of the cargo until the goods are alongside the ship or other mode of transport. Once alongside the ship, the risk is transferred to the buyer. The buyer is responsible for loading the cargo onto their desired vessel and shipping the goods to their final destination.

FCA: Free Carrier

The seller is responsible for transporting the cargo to a defined destination within the seller’s country, usually a shipping terminal. Once the load has arrived at the designated destination, the shipment transfers to the buyer, the buyer then must pay the freight charges and fulfill the importing and delivery process. Depending on the named place, the cargo is either exported by the seller or the buyer.

FOB: Free On Board

The seller must manage the full export process of the cargo, and load the products on the ship. Once the cargo has been safely loaded, the products transfer to the buyer. The buyer must pay for the freight costs that transport the goods to their destination and is responsible for all import costs.

The global supply chain industry has undergone a lot of shifts due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

One of the most significant changes was the rise in container prices caused by the imbalance between import and export flows.

As consumption in Europe and the United States picked up sharply at the end of the lockdowns in the spring of 2021, the industrial recovery in China didn’t begin until September, leading to a further worsening of the imbalance.

The majority of European and North American companies tried to replenish their stocks while the Chinese side tried to fulfil a surge in new orders that sea transport capacities could not cope with. The result of all these events was the doubling of sea times from 30 to 60 days and an increase in freight rates by 10-fold in only 12 months.

The Rail Alternative

The Eurasian rail corridor has emerged as a new alternative to sea transport in the last few years. More and more companies are using rail transport to benefit from a faster delivery time of around 20 days (Station to Station) due to the congestion experienced by maritime shipping. Ziegler Group offers Less than Container Load (LCL) and Full Container Load (FCL) services from rail terminals located in the industrial heartland of China at a competitive price. China is working on a strategy to build more trains and stations to better connect the most important stations to further develop this mode of transportation.

Rail is more reliable than sea and up to 70% cheaper than air for dense or bulky cargo shipments. Although rail freight rates started to increase in recent months, the rail alternative from Asia remains more reliable in terms of transit time between the two continents.

Moreover, rail transport is a more green mode of transport, emitting nine times less CO2 emissions than road transport. A 40-foot container transported by rail with 20 tons of cargo represents only 4% of the CO2 emissions needed to transport the same cargo by air.

Import from Asia by Road

The emergence of road services between Asia and Europe can solve the challenges related to delivery schedules or the goods that need to be transported fast.

Road freight reduces shipping costs by 50% compared to air transport, and it is 30 to 50% faster than rail transport. In the event of a seasonal peak, such as Chinese New Year or Golden Week, sea and air freight are always severely disrupted, and road freight is a more flexible alternative in this context.

Although safety is one of the major challenges for road freight on the Silk Road, Ziegler Group provides security solutions for road freight, such as transport convoys with security, a dedicated team of experts available 24 hours a day, and daily tracking via GPS.

The Future of Road Transport from Asia

The development of the Meridian Highway project between Shanghai and Hamburg is a key element of the New Silk Road project that will determine the future of road transport from China.

The project aims to create a new logistics corridor by connecting the main seaports, airports, and railways along the route, and it is expected to reduce transport times and costs, thereby increasing the competitiveness of the land transport route between Asia and Europe.

Work with an innovative Supply Chain Partner

As the logistics industry continues to evolve, it is essential for companies to explore and adopt new modes of transport to stay ahead of the competition and succeed in the global marketplace.

If you are looking for a reliable partner to navigate the complexities of the current supply chain landscape, Ziegler Group is ready to assist you in finding the best solution for your business.

Contact Ziegler Group today and let them help you find the most efficient and cost-effective transportation solutions for your business needs.

In today’s world, environmental sustainability has become a top priority for industries across the globe. From the emergence of the industrial revolution in the 18th century to the domination of fossil fuels, our planet now finds itself in a delicate state. The freight transport and logistics industry, in particular has recognised the urgent need to reduce its carbon footprint and mitigate the impact of climate change. Companies like Ziegler have taken significant strides in this direction by implementing innovative measures to monitor and record CO2 emissions on every shipment.

Back in 1908, when Ziegler was founded, the world of transportation was starkly different. As a business operating through 3 family generations, we have been part of a pioneering evolution of transportation and have had to respond ourselves through developing technologies to maintain a foothold within the industry, maintaining efficient means of transportation. From horse and carriage, to diesel trucks and looking ahead to our gradual transition to electric and autonomous vehicles. Focus is no longer just about speed and cost but also how we can collectively contribute towards helping the planet.

Here, we explore the measures we are taking to make a positive difference and set new standards in the industry.

Environmental Awareness and Responsibility

With Ziegler a leading player in the freight transport and logistics industry, we understand our responsibility towards the environment and are committed to sustainable practices. By recording CO2 emissions on every shipment, we demonstrate a high level of environmental awareness and accountability. This approach not only showcases our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint but also encourages other stakeholders in the industry to adopt similar measures.

Accurate Measurement of Carbon Footprint

Recording CO2 emissions enables us to accurately measure our carbon footprint. We utilise our advanced technology and tracking TMS systems, Seabird and Cargoswift to monitor the emissions associated with each transportation process. By capturing data related to fuel consumption, distance travelled and mode of transport, we can calculate the carbon emissions produced during the shipment’s journey. This meticulous approach provides a comprehensive overview of the company’s environmental impact and serves as a baseline for future emission reduction strategies.

Identifying Emission Hotspots and Optimization Opportunities

This initiative allows us to gather valuable insights into emission hotspots and areas where optimisation is possible. Analysing the data allows the company to identify specific routes, transport modes, or operational practices that contribute significantly to its carbon footprint. Armed with this information, we can implement targeted initiatives to optimise our logistics operations, reduce emissions, and enhance overall efficiency. This approach not only benefits the environment but also leads to potential cost savings and improved customer satisfaction.

Setting Green Targets and Monitoring Progress

By setting clear green targets and monitoring progress towards achieving them, opportunities open up to establish ambitious goals for emission reduction and the implementation of strategies to meet these targets over time. By continuously monitoring and analysing emission data, we can assess the effectiveness of our initiatives and make informed adjustments when necessary. This proactive approach ensures that we remain on track in our commitment to environmental sustainability and hold ourselves accountable for our actions.

Transparency and Collaboration with Stakeholders

Our practice of recording CO2 emissions on every shipment promotes transparency and collaboration with company stakeholders. Customers, suppliers, and partners can gain insight into the environmental impact associated with their logistics operations. This transparency not only fosters trust and loyalty but also enables collaborative efforts to further reduce emissions. We can work closely with our clients to explore greener transportation options, implement joint carbon reduction initiatives, and drive positive change throughout the supply chain.

Compliance with Regulations and Certifications

The freight transport and logistics industry is subject to an increasing number of regulations and certifications related to environmental sustainability. The recording of this data ensures compliance with these evolving standards. We can accurately report our emissions data, making it easier to comply with regulatory requirements and achieve industry certifications such as ISO 14001 (Environmental Management System). Our commitment to transparency and environmental responsibility positions Ziegler as a future front-runner in the industry and enhances our credibility among environmentally conscious customers and partners.

Some of our pilot projects already in practice or under consideration

Cargobikes
Autonomous EVs
Eco driving courses for all freight drivers
Recycling waste
Implementing urban beekeeping
Heat pumps
Solar panel installation at all Ziegler branches (as a long term plan)
Charging points for all company EVs
LEDs and energy saving sensors installation in warehouses/offices
Modal shifting (i.e. air to sea or rail to inland waterway)
Calculating CO2 emissions from Ziegler sites

What are the long term sustainability targets for Ziegler?

Ziegler are targeting the evaluation of a sustainability strategy in Q3/Q4, 2023. This framework will include a blue print, roadmap and plan of action to guide future integration. We are also looking to refine CO2 measurements as the complexities of our measurement systems continue to evolve. Sustainability for Ziegler is much more than a box ticking exercise; it is a business differentiation. We have introduced dedicated sustainability managers to streamline all of our efforts and oversee projects on both national and corporate levels. Overall, we aim to have our sustainability goals integrated into Ziegler’s Business Strategy by the end of 2023, providing structure and vision to our activities in the coming years.

As part of promoting our full range of road freight services available, we’ve recently released an updated version of our Road Groupage Services Schedule.

This table clearly displays the countries and depots in each country together with the frequency of departures and transit times throughout the week and is testament to our growing efforts to provide each and every one of our customers with efficient transportation services. The transparency of this guide will enable you to plan ahead, ensuring your consignment reaches its destination on time and on budget.

To download a copy of one of our Road Groupage Services Schedules, click on one of the following links:

Ziegler London Gateway
Ziegler Tamworth
Ziegler Portsmouth
Ziegler Peterborough
Ziegler Northampton
Ziegler Newport
Ziegler Manchester
Ziegler Durham
Ziegler Bradford

Please note: departure days and transit times are based on our standard groupage services and subject to customs clearance. Departures may be cancelled or postponed due to reasons beyond our control. Part Load and Full Load services are also available with further information on request. Please contact us for a quotation which will be tailored to suit your service requirements and fulfil any specific delivery deadlines. Contact details can be found at the top of each of the Service Schedules.

At Ziegler, we understand that the world is changing, and we are committed to staying ahead of the curve. That’s why we are constantly looking for new and innovative ways to serve our customers and employees better. One example of this is our pilot project of using drones in our warehouses for inventory management. By automating this process, we can save time and improve accuracy, all while reducing the risk associated with working at heights. We are also building digital systems providing end-to-end supply chain visibility, deploying autonomous vehicles, and investing in secure cloud-based solutions.

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We are also dedicated to sustainability. As a company, we are dedicated to having last-mile delivery that is 100% CO2 neutral. This means that we use cargo bikes, electric vans, and soon autonomous vehicles to deliver packages into city centers, all while minimizing our carbon footprint. Additionally, our headquarters in Brussels is almost completely passive, with more than 1100 photovoltaic panels and the use of water from the canal for air conditioning and heating.

We believe that a commitment to sustainability is not only the right thing to do but also makes good business sense. Customers and employees alike are increasingly looking for companies that are environmentally responsible, and we are proud to be one of the leaders in our industry for sustainability.

We also know that our success depends on attracting and retaining the best talent. That’s why we are focused on enhancing our employer image and promoting our workplace culture that is both dynamic and inclusive. We are launching the Ziegler Academy this year, which will provide opportunities for talent to learn, grow, and also to rotate between different countries to further develop their skills and experiences.

We find the transport and logistics industry fascinating. It is one of the fastest-growing sectors and is a direct reflection of the condition of the economy. We want to encourage young people to find fulfillment in this exciting industry and become champions for the industry to their communities.

Public opinion on the idea of Autonomous Vehicles is mixed, as expected. However, this technological breakthrough has proven worthy due to its benefits to businesses, the public, and the environment.

There are four key benefits of autonomous delivery:

Less Road Accidents

The top benefit of autonomous delivery is that it actually improves road safety. Some studies estimate that by implementing high levels of automation on the road, we are looking at a possibility of cutting down accidents by 80% by eliminating typical driver errors caused by negligence or recklessness. Which, according to Jean-Francois Gaillet, Chief Innovation Officer at Vias Institute, accounts for 90% of road accidents.

No Noise nor Traffic Jams

Forget about getting stuck in traffic because of a bunch of delivery vehicles during rush hours!

Autonomous mobility on roads, rail, and water will decongest the roads. Not only do these present more eco-friendly delivery options for consumers, but AVs can also make deliveries at night because of its noise-free electric motor.

Fresher Air

Replacing traditional road transportation with electric AVs cuts down significantly on carbon emissions. Compared to human drivers, AV software can minimise energy consumption, contributing to a significant decrease in air pollution and promoting environmental recovery.

Higher Workforce Value

Automation removes driving tasks from the overall workflow and opens up new opportunities, time, and manpower to higher value tasks and responsibilities. This tasks include innovation and remote fleet operations.

A Closer Look at the Zeigler Autonomous Delivery Vehicle Project

In response to these concerns, Ziegler is pioneering autonomous delivery in Europe to aid in building healthier roads for EU cities.

Ziegler, together with several organisations such as the Vias institute, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, BECI, the Ministry for Mobility, and the Department of Public Works and Traffic Safety of the Brussels-Capital Region will start closed-course testing to assess the efficiency of AVs in terms of production and ecological efficiency and prove its potential to the public.

With Ziegler piloting this project, the entire AV project is deemed more credible due to the family business’ genuine drive towards sustainability supported by vast experience in logistics in general.

As Stefan Vadenhende, Advisor and Minister or the Brussels Capital Region, says “the chances of success are then also a bit higher if you’re not just living on this hype, but if you’re actually really trying to do this from your core business, seeing how you can sustainably change your core business for the future.”

The growth of international trade has been a major driving force behind the sea freight forwarding industry, leading to significant structural changes in the shipping industry since the end of World War II.

Historical background

The subprime crisis in 2008 led to a slowdown in global trade, causing a decline in sea freight transport growth and initiating a global economic crisis. This resulted in a collapse of demand for sea freight transport and freight rates, negatively impacting the profitability of shipping companies. As a result, the European Union revoked liner conferences that had been in operation for many years due to its opposition to rate agreements. This led to the creation of new agreements between shipowners called shipping alliances.

The health crisis

The present day

The pandemic and geopolitical conflicts have led to a rise in raw material prices. This has caused many companies to order in bulk to reduce costs and prevent possible shortages. As a result, there is now an overstocking of goods and a decrease in demand for transportation. At the same time, we are witnessing a slowdown in world demand with a possible recession.

In 2023, new vessels are being introduced, and some older vessels are being withdrawn due to the need for shipping companies to bring their fleet into compliance with the new IMO 2023 regulations to reduce carbon emissions from international shipping.

The acceleration of the decarbonization of the fleet should lead to a reduction or even disappearance of the chartering offer, i.e., vessels chartered on an ad hoc basis to relieve port congestion. However, it will also lead to a reduction in capacity on the main shipping lines. To meet emission standards, ships will need to sail slower, which will require 10% more ships to transport the same amount of goods. This could drive up transportation prices even further. Rail transport is indicated as an effective alternative.

Learn more about the evolution of rates in sea freight from our e-book. 👇