Changes to Customs and Transit Procedures in Sevington from 2027

New procedures for truck transport with LeShuttle Freight to the UK

Important changes to customs clearance and transit procedures for goods traffic between France and the UK are planned from early 2027. The UK government intends to discontinue customs clearance at the Inland Border Facility (IBF) in Sevington, Kent. The transit services currently provided there will also be discontinued as part of these changes.

For companies transporting trucks with LeShuttle Freight from France to the UK, this means that existing procedures will need to be adjusted.

Customs checks to move to Folkestone Services

From early 2027, Eurotunnel will provide facilities for future customs checks at Folkestone Services, formerly known as Stop24, in accordance with the new legislation.

Trucks travelling from France to the UK with LeShuttle Freight that receive an Orange Status for a customs check after arrival will be directed to Folkestone Services. The required customs clearance will be carried out there.

This means that customs clearance will move from the IBF in Sevington to a new location closer to the Eurotunnel terminal in Folkestone.

SPS checks will continue in Sevington

It is important to distinguish between general customs checks and SPS checks (sanitary and phytosanitary checks).

The Border Control Post (BCP) in Sevington will remain operational for these checks. Trucks receiving an Orange Status for an SPS check will therefore continue to be directed to Sevington until further notice. Clearance will be carried out there by the UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

Sevington will therefore remain an important point of clearance for shipments involving relevant goods.

Changes also affect transit procedures

In addition to customs clearance, the transit services currently provided by the UK government in Sevington will also be discontinued in early 2027.

Companies currently using Sevington for transit procedures will therefore need to arrange alternative solutions for their transport and customs processes in good time.

Prepare for the new procedures in good time

The changes are particularly relevant for companies regularly transporting trucks with drivers between France and the UK and currently handling customs or transit procedures via Sevington.

As the changes are scheduled to take effect in early 2027, companies are advised to review their existing processes in good time and make any necessary adjustments to their customs and transit procedures.

We are happy to support you in planning your truck transport to the UK and help you find the right ferry or tunnel connection for your shipments. Please contact us for current rates and conditions.