A Modern Approach to Customs Clearance in the Era of Digitalisation and Growing Regulatory Requirements

International trade today is shaped not only by logistics and negotiation skills but increasingly by the ability to adapt to evolving customs and tax regulations. On one hand, businesses face cost and time pressures; on the other, they must navigate an ever-expanding and frequently updated web of EU rules. This creates a clear need for a more systemic approach, one built on digitalisation and specialisation.

Recent years show that EU and international trade is becoming ever more regulated and digitally standardised. The rollout of the EU Customs Data Hub, a unified database to facilitate information exchange across all EU customs administrations, is well underway. At the same time, the European Commission is working on a new Union Customs Code 2.0, aimed at greater automation and improved supply chain transparency.

For businesses, this means that traditional document handling methods, based on local filings and manual work, are becoming increasingly inefficient. Any formal error or inconsistency may result in goods being held, extra inspections, or even tax corrections (e.g. import VAT).

To address the dual challenge of regulation and digitalisation, tools such as the Digicom platform, developed by Derry Bros Customs Clearance, are emerging. This professional system enables customs declarations and documentation to be managed for multiple countries simultaneously, all from a single set of data coordinated by one customs agent.

Key benefits include:

• A single point of data entry - minimising the risk of discrepancies between declarations in different countries.
• Full process transparency - users can track the status of declarations in real time.
• Archiving and data analytics - once entered, customs information can be reused for tariff analysis, statistics, or internal audits.

This approach not only increases operational efficiency but also aligns with EU regulatory trends towards digitalisation and cross-border data exchange.

Derry Bros Customs Clearance also operates with AEO (Authorised Economic Operator) certification, which is gaining even greater significance within the EU framework. Customs authorities increasingly view AEO status as a “trust filter.” Companies with this certification benefit from simplified procedures, faster controls, and priority treatment in cross-border trade. For businesses, this translates into reduced indirect costs: shorter waiting times for goods, fewer formalities, and a lower risk of delays caused by random inspections.

Global trade never sleeps. Goods moving from Poland to the UK, or anywhere else, can encounter obstacles at any time of day or night. In such cases, round-the-clock support is not just a service advantage but a critical factor in safeguarding business continuity and supply chain resilience.

International trade in Europe is clearly moving towards full digitalisation and regulatory standardisation. Initiatives such as the Customs Data Hub and the new Union Customs Code will require businesses to work with partners equipped with advanced digital systems. The role of a customs agency is therefore evolving beyond declaration filing. Increasingly, it involves advisory services, risk analysis, digital process management, and regulatory expertise. With the Digicom platform, AEO certification, and tariff analysis expertise, Derry Bros Customs Clearance embodies a forward looking model for the industry.

Get in touch with our experts to learn how we can help optimise your customs processes and deliver solutions tailored to your business needs.