iPort Rail has confirmed they been granted government approval for an on-site customs area, making their site the UK’s first Strategic Rail Freight Interchange (SFRI).

This is fantastic news for businesses in the UK and Europe, as this now means there is another form of transport which can receive and send goods requiring to go through customs checks.

Currently, freight goods either have to go via ports to be loaded on ships or road on HGV lorries. There are pros and cons to both of these methods, but many freight importers and exporters would prefer to use trains.

iPort Rail now holds the title of Authorised Economic Operator (AEO), issued by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC), and shows the conformance to high standards through the customs process.

The site in Doncaster has been set up ready for sending and receiving goods for customs, which includes a temporary storage area for holding goods while UK Border Force authorities carry out all necessary checks on goods.

Development by Verdion, a specialist in creating logistics based sites, iPort Rail has grown successfully since being opened three years ago, spread over an 800-acre site. The services on offer have huge benefits for the UK and global economy, along with businesses moving goods both in and out of the UK.

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.”

Assistant Policy Manager, Rail Freight Group, Phil Smart said: “Since its opening, iPort Rail has gone from strength to strength. Becoming the UK’s first Strategic Rail Freight Interchange to become a rail customs area shows how it is continuing to set new benchmarks for the industry. This investment will help businesses become more sustainable by switching to rail, and it is vital that this is matched by investment in capacity and capability of the rail network as we look to decarbonise supply chains.”

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