September 16, 2024

Stricter land border controls to be implemented in Germany

Stricter Land Border Controls in Germany

On Monday, the Germany Government announced that it will implement stricter controls along its land borders at all nine of its land borders, which are usually open under the European Schengen zone. This is in response to “Irregular Migration”, with the measures set to remain in place for at least six months. Temporary controls are to be imposed at land borders with France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Belgium and Denmark.

The key points are as below:

  • Border checks will be introduced at all its land borders on September 16th, 2024.
  • The checks will remain in place temporarily for a period of six months.
  • Controls are being introduced to protect national security and prevent irregular migration.

Given Germany’s size, geographical location and large number of EU states bordering it, there are concerns about potential disruption to trade.

Once the checks enter into force, controls will apply to the land borders with Austria, Belgium, Czechia, France, Denmark, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, and Switzerland.

Germany shares a more than 3,700 km long border with these nine countries. Germany and all its neighbors are part of the Schengen border-free zone and under European Union rules temporary controls are allowed “as a last resort, external measure, in exceptional situations” initially last for six months with the option of being renewed.

What does this mean for imports and exports?

Please expect shipments might be delayed due to the strict measures put into place. 

Crane Worldwide will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as soon as available.

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