Customs team of Rail Cargo Group (RCG) in Wolfurt, three employees standing in an office hallway.

Customs clearance: no two jobs are the same

Spot on: Solutions

When a freight transport arrives, every minute often counts. At the Rail Cargo Group, 19 customs declarants at seven locations across Austria – Wolfurt, Salzburg, Linz, Vienna (twice), Graz and Villach – ensure that goods are cleared smoothly and in full compliance with regulations.

A true quality feature: most of our colleagues have completed the state customs training at the Federal Finance Academy – the same qualification Austrian customs officers receive. This level of expertise is exceptional in the industry and enables top-tier customs services.

But what does this work look like behind the scenes? Three colleagues from Wolfurt share insights into their day-to-day work: Christian Neuer with decades of experience, Manuel Gsell as an established team member, and Claudia Konzilia from the perspective of a newcomer.

Member of the Rail Cargo Group (RCG) customs team in Wolfurt, standing in an office next to a workstation. Manuel Gsell

What exactly does a customs declarant do?

Manuel: No assignment is like the other – some cases are routine, others real brainteasers. Our core tasks include customs declarations for import, export or transit, the tariff classification of goods, and the calculation of import duties. We also monitor goods movements and advise customers and colleagues. Often our work starts before the goods even arrive: we check documents, clarify uncertainties and obtain missing information. Once the goods have arrived, we submit the declaration in the system. The customs authority may then review documents or order an inspection. If there are no objections, the goods are released – and can continue their journey. 

You have been working in customs clearance for many years. Which skills and expertise are most important today?

Christian: Customs clearance means responsibility. It requires solid knowledge of customs law as well as national and European regulations. Accuracy and diligence are equally essential – even minor errors can have significant financial and legal consequences. A good understanding of processes, teamwork and clear communication with internal departments, customers and authorities are also key. Digital competence is becoming increasingly important, too.

Member of the Rail Cargo Group (RCG) customs team in Wolfurt, sitting on a desk in an office. Christian Neuer
Member of the Rail Cargo Group (RCG) customs team in Wolfurt, standing in an office with arms crossed. Claudia Konzilia

And you have only recently joined the team. What surprised you most when entering the world of customs clearance?

Claudia: I was surprised by how demanding each and every customs declaration really is – and how much responsibility it involves. What’s challenging is that we often have to research cases from scratch because regulations constantly change. I was positively surprised by how large and diverse the world of customs is. There is always something new to learn – the work is intensive, hands-on and very varied.

What makes it special that we as RCG provide our customs services in-house?

Manuel: The biggest advantage is customer service. We offer transport and customs clearance from a single source, which greatly simplifies processes. We are also faster and more flexible than external service providers because communication channels are shorter and fewer errors occur. The expertise stays within the company.

With all your experience, you surely know your way around tricky situations. What challenges shape your daily work?

Christian: We do not always receive all information completely or on time. Still, we must react quickly and find legally compliant solutions. Correct tariff classification can also be challenging, especially for technically complex goods. In addition, there are continuous changes in customs law, new IT systems and time-critical processes in the rail environment: delays in customs clearance can block entire trains and cause additional costs.

Why is Wolfurt an important location for customs clearance?

Claudia: Wolfurt is a key hub: the terminal and customs office are just a few steps apart, and we benefit from proximity to the Swiss border and fast transit routes. We declare all types and quantities of goods here – from industrial and consumer goods to chemicals, paper as well as finished or semi-finished products.

How do you notice the current U.S. customs policy?

Christian: At the moment, we see hardly any U.S. shipments. I assume that many industries are restructuring their supply chains and relying more heavily on other countries of origin.

And finally: which personal quality helps you most in your daily work as a customs declarant?

All three agree: In the end, it is teamwork, reliability and accuracy that make the difference – because even small mistakes can have major financial and legal consequences.