Union Customs Code: overview & planning of new declaration systems for the Belgian customs sector
The UCC (Union Customs Code), has been in force since 01/05/2016. The revision of the customs code is one of the actions within the framework of the modernization plan of the European Customs Union. It is a comprehensive framework for customs procedures and rules adapted to modern trade realities and modern communication tools.
To fulfill all customs formalities described in the UCC, the European Union and its member states musupgrade existing electronic systems and introduce new ones. For Belgium, this means, among other things:
The EU Customs Data Model (EUCDM) forms the basis for the Trans-European and national declaration systems in the European Union. The new systems IDMS, AES, NCTS F5, PN-TS, etc. will utilize the dataset defined in Annex B of the UCC. An overview of these datasets can also be found on the customs website.
15/04 start transition AES
24/04 start transition IDMS*
30/04 end transition TS (Air)*
30/06 CCI fase 1
31/08 end transition IDMS
31/08 end transition AES
30/09 start transition NCTS fase 5
30/09 end transition TS (Maritime)
30/09 end transition PN (Maritime)
30/09 end transition AES exit
31/12 end transition AES exit
31/12 end transition NCTS f5
31/12 PoUS*
On the customs website, you will find the complete schedule of all projects.
IDMS (Import Declaration Management System)replaces the current PLDA system for import declarations. In the future, declarations such as those to release goods into free circulation (H1) or to place them in customs warehousing (H2) will be submitted through this system.
In addition to changes in the message structure, there are also substantive/operational changes. For example, when implementing the new system, the Single Administrative Document (SAD) and the associated printout will be discontinued.
There is an IDMS test environment available, but declarations cannot yet be validated and released. As soon as testing can proceed smoothly in the test environment and we have completed our developments, we will inform you accordingly.
We will, if possible, reuse the existing structure as much as possible, although we cannot exclude the possibility that, for example, additional nodes may need to be added. New specifications are not yet available because we cannot validate our developments.
The IDMS declarations are based on the dataset defined in Annex B of the UCC legislation. Here you can check which data elements are expected for each type of declaration. An overview of these datasets can also be found on the customs website.
A transition period is provided for (see timeline above).
The exact details of how it will proceed will be communicated later by customs. The transition will follow the Big Bang principle, but not all economic operators will switch at the same time.
AES (Automated Export System) replaces the current PLDA system for export declarations. Export declarations such as definitive export or re-export will soon have to be submitted through this system.
New messages will be introduced, based on the EUCDM. It’s not just about technical changes; there will also be substantive changes. So for export declarations, the Single Administrative Document will no longer be in use, meaning there will be no customs printout. Additionally, it will no longer be possible to submit export declarations with multiple regimes.
An AES test environment is available, and basic testing is possible. As soon as testing can proceed smoothly in the test environment and we have completed our developments, we will inform you accordingly.
We will, if possible, reuse the existing structure as much as possible, although we cannot exclude the possibility that, for example, additional nodes may need to be added. New specifications are not yet available because we cannot validate our developments.
The AES declarations are based on the dataset defined in Annex B of the UCC legislation. Here you can check which data elements are expected for each type of declaration. An overview of these datasets can also be found on the customs website.
A transition period is provided for (see timeline above).
The transition will follow the Big Bang principle, but not all economic operators will switch at the same time. Once the first declaration is submitted in AES, it will not be possible to revert back to PLDA.
PNTS replaces the current goods accountability system GCA, GCB…
The application consists of multiple components:
The goods accountability is also a component of the PNTS application. It is the application responsible for terminating the temporary storage regime when goods are placed under a customs procedure or re-exported. The application keeps track of goods in temporary storage and writes off the goods that are placed under a different regime by combining the data from TSD with that of other declaration components.
New messages will be introduced, based on the EUCDM. Besides the IT technical changes, there are also substantive adjustments as well as modifications in the operational flow. We are currently focusing on the transfer and deconsolidation message. These will initially be implemented in air freight.
Also, our partner Crossroad Communications is working on developing a solution related to PNTS. They will also be sending the PN and TSD messages in addition to the transfer and deconsolidation messages. So depending on what you as a customer need, you can always turn to us and/or our colleagues at Crossroad Communications.
For the maritime sector, Alfaport Voka and Nxtport are developing a platform called the Inbound Release Platform.
Yes, there is a test environment available for us. Once testing can proceed smoothly in the test environment and we have completed our developments, we will inform you accordingly.
A transition period is provided for. The transition will follow the Big Bang principle, but not all economic operators will switch at the same time.
NCTS Phase 5 replaces the current NCTS system. When the new system is implemented, we will say goodbye to the EDIFACT messages and switch to XML messages.
In addition to the technical changes (message type and message structure), there are also substantive changes. For example, a 6-digit HS code will be required in all NCTS declarations.
A test environment for NCTS-F5 is available, and basic testing is possible. Basic testing is possible, but testing is currently limited to predefined scenarios with fixed GN codes and EORI numbers. Once testing can proceed smoothly in the test environment and we have completed our developments, we will inform you accordingly.
We will, if possible, reuse the existing structure as much as possible, although we cannot exclude the possibility that, for example, additional nodes may need to be added. New specifications are not yet available because we cannot validate our developments.
The NCTS declarations are based on the dataset defined in Annex B of the UCC legislation. Here you can check which data elements are expected for each type of declaration. An overview of these datasets can also be found on the customs website.
A transition period is provided for (see timeline above).
The transition will follow the Big Bang principle, but not all economic operators will switch at the same time. Once the first declaration is submitted in NCTS Phase 5, it is not possible to revert back to NCTS Phase 4.
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