Corona update
Rotterdam, 17-12-2020.
Over the last few days with the new lockdown in the Netherlands and elsewhere in Europe, we are regularly receiving the following questions regarding the Corona virus;
Are you guys still open?
Yes we may still remain open until further notice. Some of our personnel are working from home but we are still 100% operational. We have taken a number of measures that the RIVM has given companies in the Netherlands. We are following all RIVM guidelines and taking hygiene measures to prevent further spread of the virus.
Can the corona virus travel on cargo to our destination?
We have been in contact with RIVM and customs at some destinations about this. They say the following about it;
RIVM: The virus does not survive well outside the body. The RIVM bases its findings on knowledge following other coronaviruses. These viruses spread through humans and animals. Outside the body, infection is virtually impossible, and certainly not on cardboard or packaging material.
In addition, there is no known case worldwide of contamination via products sent from China by air or sea freight, so there is no reason to assume that this will happen to other destinations.
Customs in Curaçao and Suriname: Since there is no reason to believe that the virus is transmitted through cargo, the transport of cargo is simply allowed.
Is my shipment delayed?
Sea freight: The goods/freight we send by sea freight have no delays. All containers are loaded and also all ships are still sailing to the destinations.
Air freight: The goods/freight we send by air freight have no delays so far. Since July 1, 2020, more planes are flying to all destinations again. There is still a surplus of cargo and not enough space to fly this air cargo to the destinations. Because of this, the air freight rates have shot up quite a bit but we see that in recent weeks the trend is that the prices per KG are going down again. We have a direct line with all airlines and will share any changes or updates with you immediately. So we will handle every air freight request ad hoc.
Situation of European suppliers: In addition, we do want to make the observation that the delivery time of the suppliers should be taken into account. Most of the companies where the VAT-free products are sourced are still open online but due to the rush at the mail order companies, delivery times may be longer than normal.
Situation at destinations: At the destinations, we notice that due to confluence of Covid, holidays and vacations, Customs is behind in releasing the sea freight containers and air freight shipments until the 2nd week of January 2021. The smartest thing to do is to inquire locally with our agents regarding the current status of the duration in terms of customs clearance. Via our track and trace system the agent's details can be viewed.
Our team would like to wish everyone all health in this extraordinary situation. For additional questions or more information you can always email(info@mybw.nl), call (+31 (0)10 2613773) or send a message on WhatsApp (+31 6 53 50 91 29).
