The European Union is rapidly digitalising customs procedures, and CERTEX (Customs European TRade Single Window – Certificate Exchange System) plays a key role in this transformation.
For importers, logistics managers and freight forwarders, CERTEX directly impacts how customs declarations are processed, verified and released.
Understanding these changes is essential to avoid delays, compliance risks and unexpected costs.
What is CERTEX and why does it matter?
CERTEX is an EU system that digitally connects customs authorities with non‑customs control bodies, such as veterinary, phytosanitary and organic control authorities.
Its purpose is to automatically verify certificates and permits during the customs clearance process.
Instead of manually submitting documents, customs authorities now retrieve certificate data directly from the source. This creates a faster, more transparent and more controlled clearance process — but also one that leaves less room for error.
How CERTEX changes the customs clearance workflow
Less manual paperwork, more automated controls
Under CERTEX, certificates such as COI (organic imports) or health documents are no longer checked manually. Validation happens automatically during the customs declaration.
This reduces administrative work, but it also means that incomplete or incorrect data immediately blocks clearance. What used to be solved by email or phone calls now requires clean, structured data from the start.
Real-time cross-checks between authorities
CERTEX enables real-time communication between customs and control authorities. Data such as certificate numbers, quantities and weights are cross‑checked instantly.
If inconsistencies are detected, the declaration is flagged automatically.
This makes compliance stronger, but also demands better preparation before the shipment arrives.
Higher data accuracy requirements
With CERTEX, data consistency is critical.
Weights, HS codes, product descriptions and reference numbers must match exactly across:
- Certificates
- Customs declarations
- Supporting documents
Even small discrepancies can cause delays or inspections. This is where experience and process control become essential.
CERTEX means faster clearance — If you are prepared
CERTEX can significantly speed up customs clearance, but only when data is correct and complete.
Companies that rely on last‑minute fixes or manual corrections will experience more friction instead of less.
Preparation, coordination with suppliers and a solid customs partner are now more important than ever.
How Koring helps you stay compliant and in control
At Koring, we actively support our customers in navigating CERTEX‑driven customs processes.
Expertise in digital customs procedures
Our customs specialists understand how CERTEX interacts with national customs systems and control authorities. We ensure your declarations are prepared correctly from the start.
End-to-End coordination
We align certificates, customs data and shipment details across all parties involved — suppliers, authorities and carriers — to prevent mismatches and delays.
Risk reduction and process control
By monitoring data quality and compliance upfront, we help you avoid inspections, rejected declarations and unnecessary costs.
One point of contact
With Koring, you don’t need to manage complex customs changes alone. We act as your single point of contact for customs clearance, documentation and regulatory compliance.
Turn CERTEX into an advantage with the right partner
CERTEX brings efficiency and transparency — but only for companies that are prepared.
With the right processes and the right logistics partner, CERTEX becomes an advantage instead of a challenge.
Koring helps you stay compliant, avoid delays and keep your supply chain moving — even as customs rules continue to evolve.
