Swiss Post International (SPI) saidit has acquired FM Verzollungs AGin Basel. The customs agency alreadyworks for Swiss Post GLS – a Swiss Postcompany – and handles import andexport customs clearance on its behalf.The acquisition will strengthen SPI’sposition as a leading provider of importand export services.

By taking over FM Verzollungs AG,Swiss Post International has expandedits competency in customs clearance.In addition to integrating customsclearance services, which have beenoutsourced up to now, it will also beable to exploit synergies.

At the same time, SPI is expandingits capacity to tackle the new tasks thatwill arise out of the new Customs Ordinance.The Ordinance is scheduledto take effect in May 2007 and requiresSwiss Post to handle customs clearancewith its own staff in future.

FM Verzollungs AG has many yearsof experience and competency incustoms clearance for cross-bordershipments of goods and is a numberone provider of customs-related services.The former Fritz Meyer Groupcompany is based in Basel and handlesimport and export customs clearancefor cross-border goods shipments forforwarding companies and operatespublic customs warehouses. It alsospecialises in customs clearance forrail-based transport.