THE family-owned EOS group in Co Down has added a new service to its portfolio with the opening of a customs clearance service.
The facility - introduced less than six months before the UK's formal departure from the EU - will provide what EOS says is a comprehensive array of customs services designed to expedite and support supply chains through all their import and export declarations and custom requirements.
Based at the Culcavy Road in Hillsborough, EOS is widely acknowledged across the UK, Ireland and Europe as one of the leading logistics and technology firms in the industry.
John Strain, director of EOS Warehousing, said: “EOS Customs provides our customers with an all-in-one solution, covering all their import and export customs clearances requirements.
"EOS already operates a HMRC-authorised customs warehouse, which is AEOF accredited, along with the External Temporary Storage Facility (ETSF) and brokerage department.
"We believe the launch of this new initiative will provide a seamless import/export experience for our customers.”
He said that whether customers are new to the importing/exporting market and have a requirement for expert
custom advice and guidance, or are a regular importer/exporter looking to optimise and expedite customs processes, EOS Customs have highly skilled teams in place to manage the clearance requirements, regardless of volume or complexity.
The company has its roots in the Eagle Overseas company in Banbridge, formed in 1982 and which later expanded to form the EOS Group.
Meanwhile it emerged that there remain "significant divergences" between Brussels and the UK on a post-Brexit trade deal following "informal" talks in London.
European Commission negotiator Michel Barnier crossed the Channel this week for what he deemed a "useful discussion" with Boris Johnson's Europe adviser David Frost as the pair attempted to inject some movement into UK-EU trade talks.
But Brussels said there were still issues blocking progress, and if the two sides are unable to reach a deal by the end of the current Brexit transition period at the end of the year, it will mean Britain leaving the single market and the customs union without any agreement on future access.