Return of physical inspections in export and import shipments at the customs in Italy

According to information from Laura Busettini, Vice-President of FIDI Italy, there is a return of physical inspections in export and import ocean/air shipments at the customs in Italy.

We would like to inform our FIDI colleagues that here in we have noticed a recrudescence of  physical inspections in export and import ocean/air shipments. Inspections on export shipments have never been frequent so there might be some reasons for these enhanced security measures that, unfortunately, we have not been able to identify. 

A physical inspection can have a big impact on timing and costs.  Not only the inspections can be very expensive but they can generate additional costs like demurrage/detention charges as well as heavy delays in having a shipment released for shipping or collection.  Due to the reduced staff at the customs and the congestion at the ports/customs offices, it can take many days before a verification is assigned to an inspector.  Even a simple customs documental verification can take many days, while in the past this would be done within 1 or 2 days. 

This scenario adds to the already very complicated situation in transport/shipping we have all been experiencing globally. 

We strongly recommend to inform your customers/clients about the current situation and that delays and additional costs need to be expected. 

For more information, please contact Laura Busettini at lbusettini@vinelliescotto.com.