At the end of April, companies were required to submit quarterly CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism) reports. These reports focus on carbon border offsets. Thanks to CBAM, PST CLC Mitsui-Soko has gained a number of new customers for whom it processes CBAM reports. The so-called benchmarks announced by the European Union can still be used in the statements, but will no longer be applicable for imports after 1 July 2024. At that time, companies must have the actual values from their manufacturers and suppliers.

The CBAM is the European border carbon offsetting mechanism under the Green Deal, which entered a transitional phase at the beginning of October 2023. The CBAM targets steel and selected steel and iron products, hydrogen, electricity, cement, fertilisers, as well as aluminium and selected aluminium products. For importers bringing goods of non-European origin into the EU from the nomenclatures listed in the Regulation, this “carbon tariff” has brought new obligations.

The number of companies for which PST CLC Mitsui-Soko reports to CBAM continues to increase. “For example, we are now being asked by European companies that import into the Czech Republic, do business with companies in the Czech Republic and have found us on the Internet. We also owe our new clients to good references. The power of words has worked,” says Petr Böhm, Director of the Customs Services Division of PST CLC Mitsui-Soko.

He adds that PST CLC Mitsui-Soko is also preparing CBAM reporting for companies that are part of the Mitsui-Soko holding.

Customs services will be provided directly in Slovakia   

PST CLC Mitsui-Soko is planning to open a branch office in Slovakia this year, where it will also provide customs services and therefore customs clearance and CBAM reporting. The company is ready to report throughout the EU.

“In connection with the opening of the branch, we will start providing customs services directly in Slovakia. We benefit from the fact that we are already an authorized economic operator, we have already defended AEO certification at the highest level F, which is valid across the European Union. Therefore, we do not have to undergo recertification only for Slovakia,” says Petr Böhm.

Expansion of services in Rotterdam and the UK

In addition to Slovakia, PST CLC Mitsui-Soko plans to expand its customs services offer in its Rotterdam office. In cooperation with partners, PST CLC Mitsui-Soko plans to expand its customs services activities to the UK, where there is an increasing demand for these services.

Článek CBAM statements must have real values from July se nejdříve objevil na PST CLC Mistui-soko.

PST CLC Mitsui-Soko uses for its clients the rail connection between the Belgian ports of Antwerp-Bruges and the Czech Republic, specifically the terminal in Lovosice. The number of connections will increase in the summer. This line is operated by the Belgian company ECS in connection with services from Great Britain, Ireland and the Benelux countries. PST CLC Mitsui-Soko also operates first and last mile services from the Lovosice terminal.

Transportation is provided in forty-five-foot containers that are easy to handle. These transports are therefore also very safe. “In the case of England, the transhipment is by ship and in England either the part is carried on by rail or by tractor-trailer,” says Jan Bláha, director of transport at PST CLC Mitsui-Soko.

Intermodal solutions for shipments to and from England, Ireland, the Netherlands and Belgium

Around a year ago, the service was expanded to two regular train services a week to and from Belgium. “During the summer, there are plans to further increase these services to three a week. Our offer to provide first and last mile services from the Lovosice terminal gives us the opportunity to offer this intermodal solution for services to and from England, Ireland, Holland and Belgium,” says Jan Bláha. This is a further extension of the company’s service portfolio. “The increase in the number of lines means an increase in transport volumes for us,” adds Jan Bláha.

The green solution is “in”

He adds that this intermodal solution is currently very “in” because it is a so-called “green” solution. It uses rail transport, which is considered to be low-emission.

Článek PST CLC Mitsui-Soko to expand first and last mile services in connection with the strengthening of the Antwerp-Bruges route se nejdříve objevil na PST CLC Mistui-soko.

PST CLC Mitsui-Soko offers its customers cash flow optimization in the form of processing and management of economic effect procedures or special procedures. According to Petr Böhm, Director of Customs Services Division at PST CLC Mitsui-Soko, the customs debt must be secured in favour of the customs administration, which PST CLC Mitsui-Soko can do thanks to the high volume of bank guarantees available, so that the customer does not have to pay the customs debt when the material for production is purchased from third countries, i.e. outside the EU, and after production in the EU the finished product is exported again to third countries.

PST CLC Mitsui-Soko first learns in detail about the customers’ production and trading conditions, and then prepares a tailored solution that can include cash flow optimization, which brings savings to the company.

Securing a customs debt

“We are able to find ways in which the customer does not have to pay customs duties in the European Union because of their business and production activities. If the customer buys materials from third countries, manufactures finished products from them in the Czech Republic and then exports them again to third countries, special arrangements are used so that the customer does not have to pay customs duties. The goods do not remain in the EU, so there is no need to pay customs duties. Similarly, no duty is payable on input materials imported from outside the EU if they are used to produce a zero-duty product in the EU and this final product is subsequently placed on the EU market. However, it is necessary to secure the customs debt for the benefit of the customs administration for the duration of the scheme, which is what we do for our clients,” explains Petr Böhm.

He adds that once the goods leave the EU or the final zero-duty product is released for free circulation, the bank guarantee is released and PST CLC Mitsui-Soko only charges the customer a pre-agreed percentage of the amount of the security.

“This financial product is very attractive to our customers because it means optimising cash flow for them. So the customer can use the money they would otherwise have to put up as collateral for a bank debt, for example, for production. Customs would reimburse them, but only at the end, i.e. when the goods leave the EU. The company would thus have blocked non-interest-bearing money. It is important to remember that the sums involved are often considerable,” says Petr Böhm.

Example: testing and certification of trains – under special customs regime

He goes on to say, “Let me give a specific example. We are now dealing with a case where trains from abroad are coming to the Czech Republic to test the railway circuit in Velim. These trains will be tested and certified in the Czech Republic. After receiving the certificate, they will go to Serbia, but already with a European certificate. The whole operation must be carried out under a special customs regime, the so-called inward processing procedure. The amount of customs duty that is on the whole train is 1.7% of the value of the whole train, which is a significant amount. PST CLC Mitsui-Soko has to allocate this 1.7% to the customs administration. The customer does not have to send this amount to the Czech Republic, he can manage it himself and only pay us the agreed amount for the service provided,” says Petr Böhm.

It points out that this does not, of course, result in any reduction in the payment of duties, taxes or charges, but only, in accordance with the Customs Code and subject to compliance with the conditions of the various arrangements with economic effect as defined by law and by the customs authorities’ authorisations, economic advantages in the payment of duties, taxes and charges relating to the importation of goods.

Cash flow optimization to the maximum extent possible

“If the business and production process is such that there is no need to pay customs duties at all, or the amount can be reduced, we find a solution to which mode to release the goods so that the customer can optimize cash flow to the maximum extent possible,” notes Petr Böhm.

Článek Manufacturing companies are increasingly interested in optimizing cash flow in customs management se nejdříve objevil na PST CLC Mistui-soko.

PST CLC Mitsui-Soko has used its experience from the application developed last year for container drivers and developed an application for pallet distribution drivers. This allows dispatchers to track the movement of shipments online, as well as the condition of the shipments. In fact, the app allows the driver to directly photograph, describe and save any damage. Of course, the app also shows whether the shipment is loaded or already unloaded.

Thanks to the new application, PST CLC Mitsui-Soko also has online access to delivery notes and waybills. “Thanks to this solution, we are able to provide our clients with very high quality data in real time. If there is any damage, the driver can directly upload photos of the damaged shipment into the system,” says Jan Bláha, Transport Director at PST CLC Mitsui-Soko.

This is a new application, however, there is already very positive feedback from PST CLC Mitsui-Soko customers. “The app has also simplified the work of our dispatchers. The dispatcher doesn’t have to call the driver to find out the status. He looks into the system and on the so-called dispatcher’s desk he can see the status of individual shipments – whether they have already been delivered or whether specific shipments are loaded and on their way,” says Jan Bláha.

Článek PST CLC Mitsui-Soko has developed a mobile app for pallet distribution drivers se nejdříve objevil na PST CLC Mistui-soko.

PST CLC Mitsui-Soko is currently working on preparing for certification to ISO/IEC 27001, an internationally valid standard that defines the requirements for an information security management system, especially information trust management for clients, employees, processes, IT systems and corporate strategy. The various processes related to this certification are currently being implemented.

Each certification is a confirmation of quality for the company’s customers. “With ISO/IEC 27001 certification, we prove to our clients that they can trust us with their data, their goods and their care without any worries, because we have precise processes and methodologies in place, including software and hardware solutions to prevent data leakage and misuse. All data is backed up and only those who should have access to it have access to it,” explains David Zimandl, CFO of PST CLC Mitsui-Soko.

PST CLC Mitsui-Soko has been certified by Lloyds Register for an integrated quality management system, which includes ISO 9001:2015 standards, as well as ISO 45001:2018 occupational and workplace safety standards.

In addition, PST CLC Mitsui-Soko has previously obtained ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 50001:2018 environmental certifications from the same company – the former covers the environmental management system, the latter the energy management control. PST CLC Mitsui-Soko has also obtained EcoVadis certification, which is a tool to ensure transparency throughout the supply chain, targeting sustainability.

Standards for customs services and supply chain security

“Because we also comply with the standards for customs services and supply chain security, we have AEO certificates, which provide us with certification of both the customs processes themselves and the security of goods in the bonded warehouses we operate. The AEO status allows for simplified procedures in customs procedures,” says David Zimandl.

He adds that in addition, the company has received ISO 28001:2007, which certifies security in the supply chain. “PST CLC Mitsui-Soko has therefore confirmed that processes in logistics are secure and precise procedures are set up to deal with any incidents,” says David Zimandl.

AAA Platinum Excellence Financial Stability Award

PST CLC Mitsui-Soko has been profitable for a long time. “We are an entity that is strong enough to withstand the market in the event of any incidents and not go bankrupt. Thanks to our economic indicators, we have a long-term AAA Platinum Excellence rating from Dun & Bradstreet, which is the highest award for financial stability,” notes David Zimandl.

Článek PST CLC Mitsui-Soko completes preparation for information security management system certification se nejdříve objevil na PST CLC Mistui-soko.

We offer free warehouse capacity at the PST CLC Mitsui-Soko warehouses in Mošnov Ostrava, Brno – Tuřany and Úžice near Prague. Are you looking for free warehouse space? Look no further and contact us. We offer outsourcing of warehousing, transport and customs services. In our logistics centres we will arrange storage according to your needs, so you can fully devote yourself to your business. Leave the storage and other services to us. 

PST CLC Mitsui-Soko, one of the leading logistics companies in the Czech Republic, offers a wide range of logistics services, including warehousing. With modern warehousing facilities in strategically located locations – Brno – Tuřany, Mošnov near Ostrava and Úžice near Prague – PST CLC Mitsui-Soko is the ideal partner for companies looking for an efficient, quality and secure solution to their logistics needs. 

We offer outsourcing of warehousing, transport and customs services 

The storage facilities offered by PST CLC Mitsui-Soko in Brno, Mošnov and Úžice are equipped to the latest standards and designed to meet their clients’ wide range of needs. We offer free warehouse space in multi-user warehouses where we are able to store for example all industrial goods, consumer goods, automotive products, etc. 

Whether the need is for small or large volume storage, short- or long-term storage, PST CLC Mitsui-Soko offers a flexible solution for every business. 

PST CLC Mitsui-Soko can provide efficient, secure and affordable warehousing, transportation and customs services that support their clients’ logistics and distribution processes. 

Brno – Tuřany – Warehousing, transport services and customs services 

The warehouse is equipped with the latest technology for storage and handling of goods, which ensures a high level of safety and efficiency. 

The entire warehouse serves simultaneously as a bonded warehouse and a temporary bonded warehouse. The advantage for customers is that we (as in other warehouses) provide a complete service from clearance, storage, release for free circulation and import to the place of need. 

Thanks to its location and quality equipment, the warehouse space in Pohořelice is an ideal solution for companies operating in South Moravia and surrounding regions, including Slovakia and Austria. 

Mošnov u Ostravy – Customized storage services, customs warehouse 

The logistics centre in Mošnov near Ostrava provides ideal logistics possibilities. The warehouse facilities here are designed to meet even the most demanding requirements for storage and distribution of goods. With access to major transport routes and a convenient location, the warehouse facilities in Mošnov represent a key hub for national and international logistics. We also provide customs services in this warehouse. 

The logistics centre in Mošnov is located in the Multimodal Park. It enables environmentally friendly and flexible operations – thanks to its direct connection to the container terminal connected to the railway and motorway network of CZ, SK, PL, AT. 

Úžice – Warehousing near Prague, logistics outsourcing 

The storage facilities in Úžice are also equipped according to the latest trends and meet all standards for modern storage. 

We offer for rent modern warehouse space near Prague in the ProLogis park in Úžice, hall DC 5/T2, with convenient connection to the motorway network. We store in a standard, bonded and temporary warehouse. The warehouse is also conveniently located due to its proximity to the Prague International Airport or the German border. 

Customized warehouse logistics – Contact us: 

tel.: +420 720 037 828, +420 606 741 826 

E-mail: obchod@pst-clc.cz 

Článek Free Warehouse Space in Brno – Tuřany, Mošnov near Ostrava and Úžice near Prague!  se nejdříve objevil na PST CLC Mistui-soko.

As part of another package of measures against Russia’s aggression, the EC changes the recommendation on due diligence in relation to the re-export of selected goods to Russia to a legal requirement enshrined in Article 12g of NK 833/2014.

This fact practically means that in case of export of the goods listed in:

• Annexes XI, XX and XXXV of Regulation 833/2014,

• items with common high priority listed in Annex XL of Regulation 833/2014 a

• ammunition listed in Annex I of Regulation (EU) No. 258/2012

(for a list, see the above-mentioned legislation and, alternatively, see the appendix to this communication), this cannot be exported to third countries (except for friendly countries according to Appendix XXXVI NK 833/2014 – as of 21.3.2024 Switzerland, Norway, Great Britain) without prior to its export an agreement was concluded with the recipient of the goods that the recipient of the goods (importer to a third country) may not export the goods in question to Russia or Belarus.

The contract itself or its amendment must then contain reasonably strong corrective measures such as termination of the contract or payment of a fine.

See a separate attachment for a draft of the recommended amendment.

In the case of contracts concluded before 19/12/2023, companies must incorporate the ban on re-export to Russia into the contracts by 19/12/2024 at the latest

In other cases, contracts must contain a clause prohibiting re-export to Russia from 20.3.2024.

Článek Prohibition of re-export to Russia se nejdříve objevil na PST CLC Mistui-soko.

PST CLC Mitsui-Soko focuses on improving logistics efficiency and invests heavily in software solutions in both customs and warehousing. “We are providing customs software for one of our key partners and have expanded it, which has ultimately had a positive impact on our bottom line. We are also investing heavily in software in the logistics division, where we have moved to a single WMS system in the current fiscal year,” says David Zimandl, CFO of PST CLC Mitsui-Soko. The company is also focusing on increasing the productivity of logistics centres and efficient pallet account management through software solutions for reporting and automating operations.

PST CLC Mitsui-Soko is also currently focusing on software integration of customs warehouses, which will give customs staff an up-to-date overview of items in individual warehouses across the country.

There are also plans to expand the customer portal of PST CLC Mitsui-Soko, where logistics clients will be gradually integrated. This project is already in the works. “With this integration, customers will have an accurate overview of what is stocked. They will therefore be able to see online the status of their stocks in the individual warehouses. They will have an accurate overview of the stock status without having to ask anyone. In addition, they will be able to receive and send orders via the portal,” explains David Zimandl.

It adds that dashboards will also be launched to provide detailed online reporting to both clients and management to increase the efficiency of warehouse management. “With the dashboards, we will increase productivity in the warehouses and hence profitability. By being more efficient on inputs, we don’t have to increase prices to clients as much in response to inflation. So increasing internal productivity is the goal. We plan to complete this project by the summer,” says David Zimandl.

Článek PST CLC Mitsui-Soko focuses on increasing productivity in logistics centres se nejdříve objevil na PST CLC Mistui-soko.

While last fiscal year was a record-breaking success for PST CLC Mitsui-Soko, as it achieved the best business results in its entire history, the assessment of the fiscal year ending in March is not so positive. The volumes of transported goods have dropped significantly, as have the prices of transports. The partial vacancy of some warehouses, where PST CLC Mitsui-Soko provides storage outsourcing, especially the warehouse in Pohořelice, also played a role. Currently, the company also offers free warehouse space in Mošnov in the Ostrava region and in Úžice near Prague. The turnover of the current fiscal year will be around CZK 950 million, with a total profit of approximately CZK 55 million.

Despite the above-mentioned declines in transport volumes, transport prices and partial vacancy of some warehouses, the company was successful. There was also a stable interest in customs services. Business activities were also significantly successful.   

The outlook for the next fiscal year is positive  

The business successes of this fiscal year include, for example, the extension of the logistics outsourcing and distribution contract with Continental in the logistics center in Nehvizdy. In addition, PST CLC Mitsui-Soko will open a branch in Slovakia in 2024, where it managed to win a major contract for a large manufacturing company at the end of the 2023 calendar year,” says David Zimandl, CFO of PST CLC Mitsui-Soko. He adds that this is a large tender for internal logistics, so it is an extraordinary success that will have a significant impact on the company’s turnover in the next fiscal year. “Compared to this fiscal year, the turnover is expected to be higher by approximately CZK 700 to 800 million. This acquisition is also related to an increase in profit of approximately CZK 15 million,” says David Zimandl.  

As David Zimandl further states, the economic performance has been and will be influenced by the fact that the business development department and marketing of PST CLC Mitsui-Soko have been significantly strengthened, which is reflected in increased visibility on the market.   

The outlook for the next fiscal year is therefore positive. “Given the steps taken by the government, which has reduced the economy, we do not expect significantly higher consumption on the part of households and thus higher volumes of transport, but we believe that there will be less growth,” adds David Zimandl. 

Customs services are the company’s flagship, a branch in Rotterdam is being developed  

In this fiscal year, the Customs Services Division was the most successful, maintaining its level of profitability despite a slight decline in sales. “Customs services are the flagship of our company, which maintains our stability. In second place is the transport division, which has seen a huge decline in revenues, especially in the ocean freight segment,” says David Zimandl.   

A novelty of this fiscal year was the opening of a branch of PST CLC Mitsui-Soko in Rotterdam, which is currently stabilized and developing. “If we look at the Rotterdam branch from an economic point of view, we are moving from the initial necessary costs to zero and we expect black numbers in the next fiscal year. We cooperate not only with existing clients there, but we also actively develop new business relationships,” says David Zimandl. He emphasizes that the development of the branch’s business activities should also have an impact on the company’s turnover and profit in the next fiscal year. 

Článek PST CLC Mitsui-Soko expects a turnover of approximately CZK 950 million, almost doubling it within a year   se nejdříve objevil na PST CLC Mistui-soko.

Shipowners’ ships still circumnavigating Africa, interest in rail transport expected to increase  

Maritime transport between Asia and Europe is still affected by the fact that many shippers have stopped using the Suez Canal due to attacks on ships. As a result, ships are temporarily circumnavigating Africa, resulting in longer transit times and increased freight costs. Therefore, it is expected that there will be an increase in interest in rail connections with groupage containers, which PST CLC Mitsui-Soko provides with regular departures and is able to immediately provide service for entire containers both from and to China. 

How will the situation in the Red Sea develop? “Shipowners say that until they are sure that passage will be safe for ships and crews, ships will not pass through the area. According to the latest information, the European Union has set up a security mission to protect vessels. Its work should start in about a month. We will see to what extent this activity will convince shipowners,” says Jan Bláha, Transport Director of PST CLC Mitsui-Soko.  

For PST CLC Mitsui-Soko and other companies, the current situation means an increase in transit times. “According to current information, despite the situation in the Red Sea, shipping prices could drop slightly on the part of shippers in order to support trade and thus increase transport volumes. For the time being, however, these are only assumptions,” says Jan Bláha. 

Attacks in the Red Sea 

The weekend before last, the Houthis carried out several attacks. They claim that these operations, including hitting a bulk cargo ship, represent the largest attack since October, when the war between Israel and Hamas began. Last Sunday evening, according to data from the Association of Forwarding and Logistics of the Czech Republic, an explosion occurred in close proximity to the Belize-flagged ship Rubymar, which caused damage. The ship is owned by Golden Adventure Shipping from the United Kingdom.  

The attack took place in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait while the vessel was heading north from Khor Fakkan in the United Arab Emirates to Varna, Bulgaria. According to subsequent updates, the crew was forced to abandon ship due to damage caused by an alleged fire on board. No cases of injuries to the crew were reported. “Last Friday, the Houthis hit the Pollux oil tanker, which is owned by a British company, with a missile. The tanker was carrying Russian oil from Russia’s Black Sea port city of Novorossiysk and was on its way to deliver the oil to a refinery in Paradip, India. Adding to the increased sense of fear among sailors who will sail through the Red Sea was the US forces, which identified and destroyed a new class of weapons in Yemen: an unmanned submarine, also known as an unmanned underwater vehicle,” said Petr Rožek, Executive Director of the Association of Forwarding and Logistics of the Czech Republic.  

Sailors can refuse to sail  

Petr Rožek added that due to the current situation, an arrangement was published at the International Negotiation Forum (IBF), where crew employers and trade unions meet, allowing sailors to refuse to sail on ships passing through the Red Sea. Seafarers must refuse entry to the high-risk area seven days in advance due to logistical constraints during navigation and difficulties in facilitating disembarkation at a safe harbour and mobilizing repatriation in the area. 

Článek Shipowners’ ships still circumnavigating Africa, interest in rail transport expected to increase se nejdříve objevil na PST CLC Mistui-soko.