Change from SAD to H1 for imports

For years, the SAD (Single Administrative Document) has been the form used for all customs operations involving imports, exports and transit within the European Union.

It was submitted in paper or electronic format (via EDI or systems such as that of the AEAT).

We would like to inform you that on 14 October, a structural change will come into force in the customs field, with the mandatory use of the new H1 import system, which will mean a significant change in import declarations.

H1 is the new type of customs import declaration that replaces the SAD within the AES (Automated Export System) and CAU (Union Customs Code) projects.

It is part of the process of total digitisation of European customs.

There are several types of H: H1 imports of goods from third countries; H2 re-imports, H3 simplified imports, H4 declarations for postal or courier shipments and H5 low-value declarations.

The SAD will disappear as an official document, but will continue to be sent for information purposes.

It is the responsibility of customs teams to receive the necessary training for the implementation of this new system. For the importer, there will be no change in the issuance of the import clearance.