This means that Customs will more stringently monitor the correct completion of additional declarations of goods imported by sea placed in temporary storage. Declarants in all port sectors must make sure they are properly prepared. For the first CRN level applies to containers, as well as to trailers, general cargo, and bulk cargo.
What does the first level of the Container Release Notice (CRN) comprise?
At the first Container Release Notice level, Customs will compare the additional declaration with the Temporary Storage Declaration (TSD) in AGS. Declarations made in AGS will only be accepted if the data presented in that declaration correspond to those in the TSD. Customs will also make sure that additional declarations are only accepted once the goods have been reported to have arrived. This means that Customs will only accept the declaration once the ship has, according to the arrival notification (ATA), actually arrived at the Dutch port.
What does this means for logistics services?
If the declaration in AGS cannot be accepted, the load cannot leave the terminal. In order to prevent
holdups, it is important that the B/L (Bill of Lading) number, the number of packages, and the weight
as presented in the additional declaration correspond to these data as presented in the TSD.
Why will Customs implement the CRN?
The Container Release Notice serves to guarantee that the data presented in the TSD correspond to the data presented in the additional declaration. At present, mismatches between both declarations are frequent and many TSD items are not properly cleared. This results in many unnecessary reparation actions for all links in the logistics chain and may lead to request for payments and fines. The CRN prevents companies from submitting incorrect additional declarations and ensures that the legal provisions are complied with.
Who needs to prepare for the CRN?
All cargoes imported by sea from outside the EU will require the CRN: containers, trailers, general cargo, and bulk cargo. In short, all parties in the logistics chain must prepare for the CRN: declarants (customs agents and importers), shipping companies and shipbrokers, importers (non-declarants), transporters, container terminals, and ferry operators.
How can I prepare for the CRN?
By implementing the CRN, Customs will more stringently check whether the reference to the TSD, the number of packages, and the weights as presented in the declaration in AGS correspond to those in the TSD. Should these data not correspond, an error message will appear and the declaration will not be accepted. You should therefore always make sure:
- That the additional declaration refers to the correct BL number; if the BL number is incorrect, Customs will reject the declaration.
- That the gross weight presented in the declaration corresponds to that in the TSD.
- That the number of packages presented in the declaration corresponds to that in the TSD.
- And, last but not least, that the additional declaration is filed only once the ship has arrived (ATA); all declarations filed at an earlier time will not be accepted.
File an advance declaration
The most efficient way to file an additional declaration once the CRN is implemented, is to file an advance declaration plus an (automatic) arrival report. Customs processes advance declarations even before the ship has arrived. Should the data on the advance declaration and the additional declaration not correspond, you will be informed thereof. In that case, you must file a new advance declaration. Filing an advance declaration prevents mistakes from being identified only after the arrival of the ship, possibly causing logistical delays. All that needs to be done once the ship arrives (ATA) or the cargo is unloaded, is reporting the arrival of the goods by filing an arrival report in AGS. The declaration can then be accepted and the goods can – possibly after an inspection – be released. Logistics services providers provide multiple solutions for the automated filing of arrival reports to Customs.
Make sure everyone in the chain cooperates
The introduction of the CRN makes it even more important that you, the declarant, possess the correct data for your additional declaration at the right time. Proper coordination with the shipping company, shipbroker, or ferry operator will ensure that the load passes through the port without any loss of speed.
More information
More information on the CRN and how businesses can prepare for its implementation is available on the website www.voorbereidophetcvb.nl. This website has been launched as a joint initiative of trade organisations, interest groups, Portbase, and Customs.