Book a meeting

How Sesame Access Manages Complex European Export Logistics for Bespoke Lifts

A step-by-step guide to how Sesame Access manages European export logistics for bespoke platform lifts, from documentation and customs to ferry coordination.

Key Takeaways

  • Demonstrates how Sesame Access professionally manages export logistics for bespoke lifts from the UK to Europe.

  • Explains each stage of the export process, including documentation, customs, and ferry coordination.

  • Defines key export documents (C88, EAD, Carnet) to help others planning international deliveries.

  • Highlights the importance of people-first communication between Sesame Access, carriers, and customs agents.

Introduction

Exporting a bespoke lift involves far more than transport. Each Sesame Access lift is custom engineered, meaning every shipment requires unique documentation, routing, and coordination. This article explains how Sesame Access manages the full journey, from preparing paperwork and booking freight to customs clearance and on-site delivery, to help others understand the professional process behind export logistics for bespoke lifts.

How Do You Prepare a Bespoke Lift for International Shipment?

Preparation for export begins with a coordinated effort between the engineering, logistics, and customs teams. To help readers planning their own exports, the following steps outline the process Sesame Access follows:

  1. Create a detailed commercial invoice and packing list for all components, including control panels, lift frames, and accessories.

  2. Separate any tools or consumables used for installation from the main commercial shipment to avoid customs complications.

  3. Collect accurate weights and dimensions of all items, ensuring descriptions match the paperwork provided to customs.

  4. Confirm destination details and port of arrival, ensuring the receiving agent is prepared for clearance.

  5. Assemble all customs forms, such as C88 or EAD, before the goods leave the UK.

  6. Photograph all items for record-keeping and potential customs verification.

  7. Coordinate vehicle, driver, and ferry details with the freight provider in advance.

During this phase, Sesame Access engineers often send smaller parts ahead of the main lift, for example, the control PLC of a Cambridge Part M Lift, to speed up installation once the full system arrives.

Understanding Export Documentation: C88, EAD, and Carnet Explained

Documentation is the foundation of compliant export logistics for bespoke lifts. Below is a simple overview of the main forms required for cross-border shipments:

  • C88 Export Declaration: Confirms the goods leaving the UK and assigns a customs reference number.

  • EAD (Export Accompanying Document): Travels with the shipment to verify export approval at the border.

  • Returned Goods Relief (C1314): Used when tools or items will return to the UK after installation.

  • ATA Carnet: An optional international temporary export permit that simplifies movement but involves higher cost.

In this example, Sesame Access opted for a C88 and EAD combination to document temporary tool exports, avoiding unnecessary cost while maintaining full compliance. Every form was verified with the freight forwarder, ensuring a smooth customs process at both departure and arrival points.

Choosing the Right Route and Ferry System

For this project, the team reviewed several transport routes before selecting the direct Portsmouth–Santander ferry. This route provided faster transit times and avoided the need for a T1 bond guarantee through France.

A T1 bond guarantee is a type of customs transit document used when moving goods between different countries under customs control within the UK or EU. It allows items to travel through multiple territories without paying import duties or taxes until they reach their final destination. The “bond” refers to a financial guarantee lodged by the exporter or freight forwarder to ensure that any potential customs charges will be paid if the goods fail to reach their approved destination or if transit rules are broken. In simple terms, it’s a safety net for customs authorities that enables smooth, duty-suspended movement of goods—especially useful for exporters shipping bespoke or high-value equipment through several ports or EU borders before final clearance.

The process included:

  1. Setting up a dedicated Brittany Ferries freight account.

  2. Confirming a rigid vehicle slot with exact registration, weight, and cargo details.

  3. Providing required codes such as GMR (Goods Movement Reference), ENS (Entry Summary Declaration), and MRN (Movement Reference Number).

  4. Making secure payment and monitoring the booking via the Brittany Ferries online portal.

This proactive approach ensured on-schedule departure, real-time visibility, and simplified customs clearance on arrival in Spain.

Coordinating with Carriers and Customs Agents

Effective export logistics for bespoke lifts depend on clear, consistent communication. Sesame Access worked closely with its UK freight agent to prepare EAD documentation and confirm that Spanish agents were ready to pre-clear goods at Santander port.

By managing all paperwork electronically and keeping open communication channels, Sesame ensured there were no delays during transfer. This method reflects the company’s people-first promise: to handle complex logistics in a professional, transparent, and collaborative way.

Why Expert Export Logistics Planning Matters for Bespoke Lifts

Each bespoke platform lift represents a one-off engineering design. The export process must therefore be as unique as the product itself. Whether it is a Richmond Rising Platform Lift, Kensington Stairlift, or Cambridge Part M Lift, every system is documented and shipped using the same disciplined approach, precision, preparation, and professional coordination.

This consistency guarantees that accessibility projects abroad meet delivery deadlines and quality expectations. For related guidance, see Knowledge Hub articles such as Bespoke vs Standard Platform Lifts: Understanding the True Difference and Workflow-optimisation-lift-projects.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What documents do I need to export a platform lift to Spain?
At minimum: a commercial invoice, packing list, C88 export declaration, and EAD accompanying document. Some shipments may also need GMR and ENS references.

How much does it cost to ship a bespoke lift to Europe?
Freight and customs fees vary based on size, route, and carrier, but typical dedicated vehicle shipments range from £600–£900 per trip.

Why is the Portsmouth–Santander route preferred?
It allows direct entry into Spain, avoiding additional customs procedures in France and reducing overall transit time.

Can I transport tools with the lift?
Yes, but tools should be listed separately under temporary export documentation to prevent import duty issues.

How does Sesame Access maintain smooth communication with carriers and customs?
All interactions are handled directly by the Sesame logistics team. Every carrier and customs agent receives up-to-date paperwork, ensuring a friendly, professional dialogue at each checkpoint and a single point of contact for clients.

Do all Sesame lifts follow the same export process?
The structure is the same, but the details are tailored for each model and destination. For example, a Kensington Stairlift installation in Europe may require different packaging and documentation than a Richmond Rising Platform Lift.

Related Articles

Call to Action

For tailored advice on export documentation or bespoke lift installations abroad, book a Teams Meeting with a Project Manager:
Book a Meeting with the Sesame Access Project Team