What is electronic advance notification and why do carriers need it?

By CrimeaNEWS On Окт 27, 2025

CrimeaPRESS reports:

In the modern logistics space, especially within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), carriers and forwarders are increasingly faced with the concept of “electronic preliminary notification«(EPI). This is not just another formality, but an important tool that can significantly increase the efficiency and transparency of international transport. In this article we will analyze in detail what it is, who needs it and when, as well as what benefits the carrier receives when correctly implementing this procedure.

1. Definition and legal framework

EPI refers to the mandatory or recommended submission by the carrier (or his representative) to the customs authorities of data on the upcoming transportation of cargo before the actual crossing of the border by freight transport. In the case of the EAEU, this looks like a notification with detailed information about the product, vehicle, route and time of arrival.

The purpose of such a mechanism is to prepare information for customs control in advance, speed up border checks and thereby reduce the time for cargo processing. For example, in the Republic of Belarus the procedure is described as: “the carrier, forwarder or other authorized person sends a notification in advance to the customs authority … in the prescribed format” to obtain an identification number.

Legal basis: decision of the Customs Union Commission No. 899 on mandatory preliminary notification of goods imported into the territory of the Customs Union (since 2012).

2. When the procedure is necessary

It is important for the carrier to understand under what conditions and in what situations an EPI is required.

Mandatory cases:

When importing goods into a member country of the EAEU, especially if they cross the border of the union. For example: “detailed notification of the supply and import of goods into the territory of the EAEU by road transport no later than two hours in advance.”
When exporting goods from one EAEU country to another (or transiting through the territory of the union), if so provided by national legislation.
When transportation is carried out using transit procedures and control systems, and an EPI identification number is required at the border.
For transport exclusively within one member country, unless there is a transition across external borders or if exceptions are provided by law.
In situations where the legislation of a particular country does not provide for the mandatory submission of EPI for named categories of cargo or for certain routes.
For procedures that exclude the participation of a regular customs border (for example, an inland logistics corridor), it is important to check whether there are exceptions in your country.

May not be required:

For the entry of goods into the territory of the EAEU by air, the need to submit preliminary information was also discussed.

3. How the procedure works in practice

Here is a step-by-step algorithm explained in simple language:

The carrier or forwarder collects all the necessary data about the cargo, transport, route, and time of arrival.
It forwards them through an electronic system or portal to the customs authority, which accepts the notification. In Belarus, for example, the platform is called “EPI”.
Customs checks the formally logically received information and issues an identification number (EPI number).
The driver or vehicle with the cargo arrives at the checkpoint. The driver provides the EPI number.
Based on the previously entered information, the customs inspector checks the documents and cargo: if everything matches, he processes it quickly, without unnecessary delays. If there are discrepancies, an inspection, delay or additional control is possible.

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This mechanism can significantly reduce the time spent at the border and increase the transparency of the procedure.

4. Why is it important for a carrier to implement a service with professional support?

Why is this necessary:

Time reduction: thanks to EPI, transportation is faster, since customs is familiar with the information in advance.
Risk reduction: It is less likely that a load will be left unattended or require manual inspection.
Increased reputation: A carrier that follows procedures appears to be a reliable partner in the logistics chain.
Saving resources: less downtime — less costs for downtime, waiting, double-checks.

What does professional support provide:

The EPI registration service, such as through a specialized broker, allows you to:

correctly collect data and ensure compliance with legal requirements;
give notice in a timely manner;
track confirmation and EPI number;
minimize the likelihood of failures or delays.

In this case, we can recommend using electronic preliminary notification through experts — thus, you remove part of the administrative burden and concentrate on logistics.

5. Practical recommendations for the carrier

Plan to give notice as far in advance as possible—the sooner the better.
Make sure that the information about the cargo, transport, route is correct and matches the contract/invoice.
Pay attention to deadlines and technical submission channels — online portals, electronic forms.
Keep your confirmation of submission and EPI number — the driver will need them at the border.
Keep in touch with your broker or specialist if you have any doubts about documentation compliance.
Train drivers or forwarders so that they know which EPI number to provide and what documents to have on hand.

Conclusion

The electronic preliminary notification procedure is not just a bureaucratic requirement. For a carrier operating across the external borders of the EAEU and the Republic of Belarus, this is a tool for increasing speed, efficiency and reliability. By organizing it correctly and in advance, you eliminate many potential problems: delays, double checks, fines.

If you want your logistics to work like clockwork, it’s worth considering an integrated approach and connecting a service that specializes in electronic preliminary information. Make fewer mistakes, maintain a high standard, and let your cargo cross the border quickly — like clockwork.

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