E-commerce shipments arriving at Leipzig/Halle Airport are now being handled entirely digitally through Zodiak customs software developed by Dakosy.
The Atlas Customs approved software is being used at Germany’s second-largest airfreight hub by ground handling service provider PortGround, a wholly-owned subsidiary of airport operator Mitteldeutsche Flughafen.
About 70 cargo aircraft land in Leipzig/Halle a day, mostly laden with online shopping, and the new software has an integrated interface with the airport’s in-house IT systems and can process relevant customs information to automatically trigger processes.
“Especially in times of growing e-commerce business, a smooth supply chain is important to guarantee punctual delivery for customers and consumers,” said Ulrich Wrage, CEO of Dakosy Datenkommunikationssystem.
“The digital handling of customs processes is an essential part of this. We are confident that with our support, Leipzig/Halle Airport will become an air cargo hub that pioneers the digitalisation of e-commerce for the future.”
Zodiak is used as a Software-as-a-Service application, simplifying the workflow of customs clearance, with PortGround using an electronic interface to send flight manifest data for all expected shipments.
Relevant customs information is automatically triggered, with the first message being the Import Control System declaration to the platform as required for all EU imports from third countries.
For air cargo, this must take place at least four hours in advance of reaching the first airport within the EU.
If the value of the shipment exceeds €22, Zodiak triggers the summary declaration to customs and automatically initiates customs import duty processing.
“The new customs software expands our comprehensive logistics portfolio and supports us, especially in the steadily growing e-commerce business,” said Alexander König, managing director of PortGround.
“As the fifth-largest cargo airport in Europe, we need to seize the opportunities offered by digitalisation. With Dakosy, we have a reliable partner who contributes a great deal of technical, logistical and customs know-how.”
