Implementation of “CVB” results in stricter customs requirements for sea freight import
20 September 2021
On Monday 4 October 2021, the Customs Administration of the Netherlands will implement the container release message (CVB). This has consequences for anyone who imports goods by sea from outside the European Union, since the CVB will result in stricter customs requirements. What is going to change exactly, and what does this mean for you?
Stricter requirements for subsequent declarations
The customs administration needs various documents to handle certain customs formalities. The subsequent declaration and the Declaration of Temporary Storage (ATO) are two examples of this. These documents state, for example, the B/L number, gross weight and the number of packages. The customs administration will check whether the information on both documents is identical. Unfortunately, this is often not the case. All of these mismatches need to be resolved.
The implementation of the CVB should help prevent unnecessary work in this area. For example, stricter requirements will be implemented with regard to the subsequent declaration. Goods may now only leave the terminal if they meet the following conditions:
- The subsequent declaration was submitted after the goods were unloaded in the harbour (ATA);
- There is a 100% match between the information on the subsequent declaration and the ATO. This includes: B/L number, gross weight and number of packages.
Submitting the subsequent declaration before the ATA will result in rejection. On top of that, the customs administration may impose a fine. The same goes for mismatches in information. The customs administration has announced its intention to thoroughly check whether these requirements are met.
Advance declarations and automatic presentation notification
The CVB will lead to stricter requirements with regard to the handling of customs formalities. However, quick customs handling will still be possible. Customs forwarders will need to make certain preparations for this, however. The most important of these is the use of advance declarations plus the so-called “automatic presentation notification”. That way, cargo will be able to leave the harbour just as quickly as it did before.
As a global forwarder, Ritra Cargo is, of course, excellently prepared for the CVB. For example, we’ve been making use of advance declarations for a while. On top of that, we now also use the automatic presentation notification. As a result, handling customs formalities will not take any extra time, which means the impact on you as shipper will be kept to a minimum.
Do you want to be sure of a quick customs process?
How do you, as a shipper, make sure your goods will quickly pass through the port after 4 October? A quick handling process for customs formalities hinges on the right documentation. First of all, make sure the information on the invoice, like the gross weight and the number of packages, is correct. Moreover, we recommend submitting all documentation related to the shipment to us as soon as possible. We need these documents for the advance declaration. This way, we can ensure that the customs formalities are handled quickly.
Do you have any questions about the CVB? Please contact us. We would be happy to help you.
Other important news