Brexit in 5 steps

No document, no transport! Participation in the Dutch chain solution is mandatory at all ferry terminals and most shortsea terminals. Act now and complete the 5 steps to be Ready for Brexit before the 1st of January 2021. Whether you are driver, transport company, forwarder, importer or exporter: everyone has a role to play. You will not have access to the terminal without digitally pre-notified customs documents. Click on the image on the right to view the 5 steps in the infographic.

Ready for Brexit in the Dutch ports in 5 steps

  • Step 1: Register with Customs

    No relationship with Customs yet? Request an EORI number with them as soon as possible. Every company in Europe involved in import or export requires such a unique identification number. Also if you are an importer or exporter who uses a forwarder or customs agent for your import and export declarations. Please contact national customs as the application process may vary from country to country. Pay attention! Are you currently working with a British EORI number? After the Brexit you have to convert this to an EORI number from the EU.

  • Step 2: Decide who takes care of the import and export declarations

    After Brexit, determine whether you will submit import and/or export declarations to Customs yourself or whether you will use a forwarder or customs agent for this. If you submit the declarations yourself, you will need separate software and licences. Perhaps agreements with the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) and/or ILT are needed as well. Or, if you are a transporter, a CEMT licence.

  • Step 3: Determine who is responsible for the pre-notification of customs documents

    After Brexit, the pre-notification of customs documents via Portbase is mandatory at all ferry terminals and most shortsea terminals. The importer/exporter can do this, but also the forwarder, customs agent or, on occasion, the transport company. Make clear agreements about this! Without pre-notification, the transporter will not be granted access to the terminal.

  • Step 5: Check beforehand whether the terminal has the customs document

    Only cargo that has been digitally pre-notified can enter and leave the terminal. Otherwise, the container or trailer will come to a standstill here. You will then be referred to a temporary parking location. You can contact your client or transport planner there to get the necessary customs formalities in order.

    Therefore, before you start driving, always check the status at the terminal via Portbase. No customs document, no pre-notification at the terminal, no transport!

Read here specific information for:

Customs agent Forwarder Exporter Importer Transporter

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