Embassy Freight Services UK was represented at the annual WCA members conference, which was held in Singapore this year.

The WCA (World Cargo Alliance) is a worldwide network of independent freight forwarders.

Alongside our Belgian, Dutch, German colleagues, Embassy Freight Services was able to professionally answer all inquiries regarding oceanfreight, airfreight and special services.

In addition we were able to expand our agent network.

The WCA conference was a great succes!

In the aftermath of Chinese New Year, carriers are busier than ever. Vessels are full to capacity for the coming weeks, both for import as well as export shipments. This applies to practically all trade lanes, though the most affected areas are the Middle East and the Far East.

Carriers have cancelled several vessels, and created so called “blank sailings”. As a consequence containers are being left behind in several ports and this backlog is now causing severe space restrictions. The lack of space is also caused by the bankruptcy of carrier Hanjin.

The limited capacity is putting seafreight rates under pressure as well. The carriers have all announced rate increases as from March 1.

We would like to recommend you to place your bookings well in advance, or wherever possible, advise us of your schedule. We will always try to get you the earliest possible sailing, for the best rate!

As from January 22nd, the Indian government has introduced a modification to the service tax. The Indian Service Tax of 4,5% is applicable for seafreight rates plus surcharges for all import shipments into India.

Take a look at our most recent newsarticle about this subject.

Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have further questions about Indian Service Tax.

As from 1st May 2017, for certain types of cargo a notification will have to be created in the SENT system.

The system will then issue you an application number, which should then be used for road, air and ocean shipments.

On our website you can find more information about the correct types of cargo.

As already mentioned in our newsletter of December, as from November 15th 2016 onwards a license requirement has come into effect for the import of several types of wood, wood products, paper and pulp from Indonesia.
You may only import these goods if you are the holder of an FLEGT-license.

FLEGT stands for Forest law Enforcement, Governance and Trade.

Take a look at our logistics glossary where FLEGT is explained or look up other logistic terms.

Visit our website for important news items.

Did you know that via our Logistics Glossary you can find definitions of hundreds of logistic terms such as AFTKs and MSDS.