Apply for status as an "authorized consignor" for the Union transit procedure

You must apply for the status of "authorized user" in writing:

• Go to the German customs website and call up the form "Application for approval of authorized consignor status (ZV)" (form 0356). You can fill out the form directly on your computer.
• Also download the questionnaire for customs authorizations and complete parts I to III and V.
• Print out the completed application and questionnaire and attach all the necessary documents.
• Submit the form to your responsible main customs office. Your application will be checked there.
• The main customs office will send you a written decision as to whether you will be granted the status of "authorized consignor".
• In the approval, the main customs office specifies certain measures that you must take to ensure that the packaged or sealed goods are recognizable (so-called identification).
• The authorization usually takes effect on the day it is delivered to you.

The main customs office in whose district you keep your main accounts for customs purposes is responsible. If you have any questions about an ongoing application procedure, the approval of procedural simplifications or other initiated procedures, please contact the main customs office responsible for you.

You or your company must

• be based in the customs territory of the European Union;
• regularly use the Union transit procedure. To do this, you must provide an estimate of how many consignments you carry out per month using the Union transit procedure;
• show that you comply with the law in the context of your economic activity, i.e:
  • You have not seriously or repeatedly violated customs or tax regulations
  • you have not committed any serious criminal offenses in the course of your economic activity;
• prove that you have a functioning, robust control system for your economic activities and movements of goods, i.e:
  • You must prove that you systematically keep business books and transport documents and enable customs to carry out appropriate checks;
• prove that you have the practical or professional qualifications to act as an "authorized user";
• be approved as a participant in the "New Computerized Transit System (NCTS)";
• meet the requirements of the "Automated Tariff and Local Customs Clearance System" (ATLAS). With ATLAS, the cross-border movement of goods is largely automated and monitored;
• provide a comprehensive guarantee or be exempt from providing a guarantee.

• Extract from the commercial register

Please ask your local main customs office whether you need to submit further documents.

None

None

Your application will be accepted within 30 days and a decision will be made within 120 days.

• Article 233(4)(a) of the Union Customs Code

Forms: yes
Online procedure possible: no
Written form required: yes
Personal appearance required: no

• Application for approval of the status of authorized consignor (form 0356)
• Parts I to III and V of the completed questionnaire on customs authorizations

20.11.2020