Transport for London (TFL) has introduced the Direct Vision Standard (DVS) as part of its commitment to improving road safety and reducing accidents involving heavy goods vehicles (HGVs). The DVS assesses and rates how much an HGV driver can see directly through their cab windows, with the aim of minimizing blind spots and enhancing the safety of all road users. This blog will delve into the key aspects of the DVS, the requirements it places on hauliers, and how to ensure compliance. What is the Direct Vision Standard (DVS)? The Direct Vision Standard (DVS) is a regulatory measure designed to improve the safety of HGVs operating within Greater London. The standard assesses the direct vision of drivers from their cab, rating vehicles on a star system from 0 to 5 stars. The rating reflects the driver's ability to see vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians and cyclists, directly without relying on mirrors or cameras. Why Was DVS Introduced? The DVS was introduced to address the si
UK Customs Clearance is the process by which goods entering or leaving the United Kingdom are assessed and cleared of all import duties and taxes, such as VAT. This must occur whenever goods cross a border or leave any customs-authorised facility such as an airport, port, tunnel crossing or road crossing.
Customs clearance processes are complex and can take an extensive amount of documentation, with various documents needed to assess safety and security, calculate import duties and collect fees. Accuracy in document submission is absolutely key; any mistakes could significantly delay shipment times.
UK businesses must now submit customs declarations for all shipments entering and leaving the UK, including road freight from/to Europe as well as between Great Britain and Ireland (excluding Northern Ireland). This has added another level of complexity for many companies, requiring training on new processes as well as understanding classification of their goods correctly and meeting all safety and security regulations.
One of the key changes for businesses has been the requirement to submit an EORI number with every shipment. This number serves as a unique identification for every company regardless of size or location and is used by customs to calculate what duties and taxes should be collected; additionally, it allows customs officials to quickly reach out should any problems arise during transport.
Bills of Lading or Airway Bills must also be submitted as they serve to verify ownership and control over goods shipped, while also listing value for customs purposes.
A dangerous goods declaration is also essential, which ensures all relevant legislation has been observed and the shipment labeled accordingly. This requirement applies specifically for freight containing animals, plants, high-risk food or medicines, as these types of shipment require special handling.
As well as these documents, there may also be other requirements such as proof of residency, employment contracts, and National Insurance numbers to fulfill. Therefore, using an experienced shipping company that specializes in moving cargo between the UK and EU will help streamline this process, reduce delays from paperwork issues, and ensure your goods reach their final destinations safely and on schedule.
Due to Brexit's complexity and additional paperwork required for businesses, more companies are turning to customs brokers as an asset in managing this process on their behalf. While customs brokers aren't legally required, they can save time on resources while speeding up your goods delivery by eliminating errors in documentation that might otherwise cause delays or holdups.
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