Prevent mismatches from disrupting your import into the Netherlands
Every month, Customs finds (tens of) thousands of mismatches between further declarations and declarations for temporary storage (ATO). Prevent this from also affecting you.
These are the risks for you as declarant
Risk 1
Longer standstill times, congestion and/or extra costs for collection
Due to the introduction of the Container Release Message platform 1, cargo (AGS) is not allowed to leave the Dutch terminal in the event of a mismatch because::
- The B/L number on the subsequent declaration does not match the B/L on the ATO
- The gross weight on the subsequent declaration is higher than gross weight on the ATO
- The subsequent declaration is submitted for ATA vessel
Risk 2
Unnecessary research
If Customs knocks on your door to explain differences due to a mismatch and provide proof to the contrary, the correction often requires in-depth research and recovery work.
Risk 3
Financial implications
If there is insufficient proof, the submitter runs the risk of paying substantial fines and additional taxes.
This is how you prevent mismatches!
The two most common causes of and solutions for mismatches
Cause 1
Many problems with box 40
This is how you fill in box 40 correctly in two steps in your further declaration:
Step 1
First of all, you enter the code of the previous procedure in box 40. This is always X-705.
Step 2
For ferry transport: After X-705, enter the shipment number. This number is generated by the ferry operator for the transport of your cargo. The transporter that books the crossing must report this shipment number to you.
For container transport: Behind X-705 you enter the number of the Bill of Lading (B/L). You will receive this B/L number directly from the shipping company/shipbroker or from the person who made the booking.
Entering something else in box 40 is irrevocably wrong. This will result in a mismatch and therefore a delay!
Recognising a correct shipment number or B/L number
For ferry transport: a shipment number consists of 16 or 17 characters (depending on the ferry operator). The first 4 are letters identifying the ferry operator. The next 12 or 13 characters are the booking number, always ending with 001, 002 or a higher consecutive number. So, for example, in box 40 you enter: X-705 PONFHU12345678001
For container transport: A B/L number has a maximum of 17 characters, of which usually the first four letters stand for the SCAC code of the shipping company/shipbroker. So, for example, in box 40 you enter: X-705 ABCD0510098765431.
By being extra alert to this in your supplementary declarations from now on, you will ensure that your cargo will always be able to proceed quickly. Customs offers you these completion instructions (in Dutch) as support for the correct filing of further declarations. In addition, a separate information sheet is available that takes you through the customs chain step by step. Please consult these tools carefully. In this way, you will avoid making unnecessary errors.
Cause 2
Fill in the net weight instead of the gross weight
For ferry traffic
In ferry traffic it happens regularly that the transporter who books the crossing gives you the weight that is mentioned on the British export declaration. This is WRONG. The British export declaration is based on the net weight. However, Dutch Customs asks for the gross weight in the import declaration.