Transport to Scandinavia – Logistical and Regulatory Challenges for the TSL Industry
Transporting goods to Scandinavian countries is one of the most demanding directions in the European TSL (Transport, Shipping, and Logistics) industry. The specific geographical conditions, harsh climate, and regional regulations present a number of challenges for carriers, requiring particular preparation and experience.
– Success in Scandinavian transport requires extremely precise logistical planning and consideration of many local specifics – emphasizes Joanna Porath, owner of the customs agency AC Porath. – A key element is proper route planning, taking into account ferry crossings, whose availability and costs vary significantly depending on the shipping company, vehicle length, and type of goods being transported. Special attention should be paid to the transport of hazardous goods, as not all ferries are equipped to carry ADR (Accord Dangerous Goods Regulations) cargo, and those that do charge additional fees – she adds.
Specifics of Road Infrastructure
The Scandinavian road infrastructure presents additional challenges for carriers. The further north you go, the more mountainous the terrain becomes, with numerous tunnels, winding and narrow roads often accompanied by so-called passing places. – In some tunnels, there are strict restrictions regarding the transport of hazardous goods. Additionally, it is essential to carefully verify postal codes for delivery locations, as Scandinavia has many small islands, and access to them often requires an additional ferry crossing – explains Joanna Bożek, head of the Imex Logistics office in Mielec.
Winter Challenges and Equipment Requirements
Winter weather conditions present a separate category of challenges. – Scandinavian countries have strict regulations regarding the winter equipment of vehicles – adds Joanna Bożek. Winter tires are mandatory, with a minimum tread depth of 5mm required for trucks. Snow chains are also necessary, as well as additional equipment such as sandbags and a shovel, although there is no legal obligation for vehicles to carry these items. In Norway, the periods during which winter equipment is required vary depending on the region – in the northern part of the country, this requirement applies from October 15 to April 30.
– It is common to drive on ice or in snowstorms where visibility is very poor. Roads may be temporarily closed for safety reasons or until they are cleared of snow, which significantly impacts transport time and can cause serious delivery delays – explains Joanna Porath, owner of AC Porath.
Road Inspections and Technical Requirements
It is worth noting that Scandinavian countries have their own “transport union,” which allows for higher permissible vehicle gross weights and axle load limits compared to the rest of Europe. – At the same time, extremely thorough road inspections are carried out, especially in Norway – emphasizes the owner of AC Porath. During inspections, the following are checked:
- Vehicle weight and weight of the transported goods
- Vehicle technical condition
- Load securing
- Tires and chains
- Driver’s driving and rest times
- Completeness of all required documents
Customs Requirements and the Importance of Training
Legal and customs aspects are another crucial issue. Norway, being outside the European Union, requires additional customs formalities. – When exporting to Norway, an export customs clearance is required, followed by approval for the goods to be placed into circulation within the country. It is especially important to obtain the CC599C communication, which serves as confirmation of export and allows for the tax settlement related to the export in the tax declaration – explains Joanna Porath.
When leaving Norway, all customs procedures must also be completed, including the transit declaration along with securing the customs and tax duties for the entire transport period until reaching the destination customs office. Carriers must be aware that they – from the perspective of the Common Transit Convention – are responsible for ensuring the proper execution of the transit procedure, from the customs office of exit to the recipient’s customs agency.
Carriers planning to start operations in the Scandinavian market should pay special attention to the training of their employees. – The specifics of the Norwegian market, especially in terms of customs procedures and documentation, require thorough training for both forwarders and drivers. Investing in the knowledge of the team often helps avoid costly mistakes and delays – emphasizes Joanna Tymińska from the Customs Academy.
