Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 29th August, 2011
As a result of changes to some post codes and town names in China, we will update addresses in our shipping tools such as myTNT (including ExpressImport), These changes are planned starting 5 September, 2011. For TNT customers using myTNT, no action is required, as we will update your address book automatically with the changes.
TNT customers using ExpressShipper, ExpressManager will be offered a little tool to help you update your Chinese addresses in your address book. Any other TNT shipping tools, will be provided instructions to update addresses stored on local systems.
Below is a quick overview of customs and shipment requirements around the world that may cause delays to the delivery of your international shipments.
KSA Causeway Clearance Update - 30th May 2011
Customs Authorities at the Causeway have amended the import clearance process and tightened up the controls under which shipments are cleared, leading to increased inspections and spot checks, making it more time consuming. The increased work load on senior Customs Officers is adding further delays as shipments require their follow up when a junior officer decides he is unsure whether to clear the item.
All express companies have been affected by this and as a result there is severe traffic congestion on the causeway between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia caused by backed up road network trucks, which is having a severe impact on door to door transit times.
These delays are mainly impacting low value shipments - those with a value below US$13,250. High Value shipments are being cleared with little or no delays after they negotiate the road congestion.
We have put in place additional resources to manage the shipments that are delayed by these Customs actions, however increased inspection time by the Authorities is outside of TNT’s control, and all we can do is try to keep delays to a minimum.
We would like to emphasise the increasingly important part you and your suppliers play in the clearance process by making sure shipments have permanent “Made in” labels, and are accompanied by the correct paperwork. This will include but is not limited to, Certificates of Origin; Original Invoices; SASO certificates; and Authorisation Letters. But please note we are finding Customs Officers are sometimes insisting goods go to the Government Labs for checking even when correct documentation is supplied.
Updated information will be made available as we have it. You are able to see the status of any shipment at www.tnt.com or alternatively our Customer Service team will also be able to assist if you call 800 2442222.
Myanmar - 23rd May, 2011
Effective today, Monday the 23rd of May, 2011, TNT has suspended all trading to and from Myanmar.
This means that the Myanmar country website has been closed down and the country removed as a location option from TNT shipping tools, so that Myanmar can no longer be selected during a booking or quotation from TNT customer service.
Shipments made to Myanmar prior to the 23rd of May will be delivered until the 31st of May at the latest. Shipments received in Myanmar after the 31st of May will be returned to sender as undelivered.