Via the Portbase service Notification Local Clearance, forwarders, importers and agents with an EIDR (or IIAA in Dutch) permit can easily report to Customs that goods arriving from overseas are placed in a customs warehouse or released for free circulation, also known as the ‘Local Clearance Entreport (DEN)’ and ‘Local Clearance Import (DIN)’. From the middle of next year this will no longer be possible and ‘Notification Local Clearance’ will cease to exist.
Portbase has decided not to support the new EIDR declaration procedure. Portbase will, however, continue to offer the service ‘Notification Local Clearance’ as long as Customs allows this method. Here we explain what this means for you.
Why will ‘Notification Local Clearance’ cease to exist in the middle of next year?
The declaration procedure ‘Registration in the Administration of the Declarant (EIDR, or IIAA in Dutch)’ will change in 2023. By 30 June 2023 at the latest, all license holders must work in accordance with the new declaration procedure in order to be able to submit goods in the new Customs Declaration Management System (DMS). The current working method via the service ‘Notification Local Clearance’ does not provide for this and will therefore be discontinued with the new declaration procedure.
Will Portbase come up with an alternative for ‘Notification Local Clearance’?
No. After an extensive analysis and discussions with market participants, Portbase has decided not to support the new EIDR declaration procedure. Portbase will not submit application messages in the DMS. Portbase will, however, continue to offer the service ‘Notification Local Clearance’ as long as Customs allows this method.
Why does Portbase choose this route?
The current EIDR declaration procedure has a specific working method for port logistics. This procedure differs from the usual working method for customs declarations and was therefore difficult to integrate into declaration software packages. For that reason, at the request of the market, Portbase developed a declaration service specifically intended for port logistics: ‘Notification Local Clearance’. Because the new EIDR declaration procedure will become a standard procedure within the DMS, this new procedure can be more easily supported by other declaration software packages, without the intervention of Portbase. Many of these software suppliers have already indicated that they will support the new EIDR scheme in their own software. Portbase has thus come to the conclusion that supporting the EIDR procedure is no longer a strength of its Port Community System and has therefore left the support of this procedure to market parties who are more familiar with customs declarations.
What does this change mean for you?
Dutch Customs plans to allow all license holders to work through the new procedure between December 12, 2022 and April 7, 2023. We realize that we will only clarify the future of ‘Notification Local Clearance’ until late, which means that the time is running out to prepare for the new EIDR procedure. That is why we help you on your way as best we can. If you want to continue to use your EIDR license under the new procedure, you will need a declaration software package that supports this procedure (you may already have a suitable package in house). If you work as a representative for a license holder, mutually agree on who will bring the goods in the new situation. For more questions and answers, visit the Portbase website.
Where can I find out more about the announced changes?
More information about the aforementioned procedure change and time schedule can be found on the website of Dutch Customs. You will also find a detailed explanation of the foregoing on the Portbase website.
Frequently Asked Questions:
I want to continue to use the EIDR (IIAA) scheme under the new procedure, how do I do that?
If you want to use your EIDR license under the new procedure, you will need a declaration software package that supports this procedure. If you already have a tax return software package, there is a chance that you already have a solution in-house. View the overview of software suppliers who have indicated to us that they will support the new scheme. Always contact your supplier first to find out how the procedure in the software package will work and what conditions your supplier sets for this. If you do not currently have software that supports the new scheme, the software suppliers mentioned will be happy to discuss the options they offer.
What should I do if I don’t know yet whether I want to continue using my permit?
Read about your options on the Customs website. Customs has published webinars and information documents for this. In addition, Customs has also published a ‘Step-by-step plan/checklist from AGS to DMS‘ on this website. For further questions about your permit, you can always contact the National Customs Helpdesk or your business contact point.
I use the ‘Notification Local Clearance’ on behalf of a warehouse permit holder, is that also possible in the new situation?
Depending on your role, the working method may change in the new situation. Agree with the license holder for whom you are now reporting who will bring the goods in the new situation.
Can I continue to use the current ‘Notification Local Clearance’ for the time being?
Yes. Portbase will continue to offer the current service ‘Notification Local Clearance’ for as long as Customs allows this. We therefore take into account an end date of June 30, 2023, but will always move along with possible shifts in the deadlines.
Do I still have to pre-notify documents at the terminal in the new situation?
Yes. Doing a document pre-notification at the terminal is always necessary. For most terminals you can do this via the Portbase service ‘Notification Import Documentation’. The method of pre-notification will change. Instructions for this will be published later this year by Customs and Portbase.
Which software vendors will support the new EIDR application process?
Below you will find a list of software suppliers who have indicated to us that they will support this procedure. The software suppliers are happy to talk to you about the options they offer.
