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The deadline for Dutch customs to implement the new Declarations Management System (DMS) is on our doorstep. Soon, the implementation window of DMS 4.0 and subsequently DMS 4.1 will start, allowing declarants to make use of the new digitised system. Note that the switch to DMS 4.0 will be executed in a phased approach with eight different phases. The phases are organised for declarants based on volume, with Phase 1 to start on April 9, 2022.
Note: If a customer has the same follow-up number (volgnummer) for both imports and exports, migration from AGS to DMS 4.0 must take place at the same time. If these numbers are different, the customer may convert from AGS beginning with one flow, e.g., imports, followed by exports.
Just as a reminder, DMS 4.0 is the replacement of AGS, in which normal declarations can be filed. DMS 4.1 will replace the outdated GPA/SPA system, allowing traders to file declarations in a similar fashion to the old system and still providing traders the opportunity to 'delay' their declarations.
Traders that previously used the globalisation possible in the GPA/SPA system in combination with an Entry in the Declarant's Records (EiDR) or a customs warehousing authorisation are faced with a choice in DMS 4.0. They must decide whether they will keep their current customs authorisations or not. This will impact the way in which they will be able to manage their declarations processes.
Getting rid of my authorisations, what do I have to do now?
If a declarant decides not to renew their authorisations and no longer take advantage of the simplifications for customs warehousing and EiDR, they will have to do their declarations using the normal procedure, i.e., a standard customs declaration that does not require pre-authorisation, under DMS 4.0. This would mean that the procedure for putting goods into a customs warehouse would slightly change for them. Customs described a couple of scenarios where the situation will change. All other scenarios will not change, apart from lodging the declarations into DMS 4.0. The basis of the declaration would be dataset H2 of annex B of the UCC-DA.
Entry into a customs warehouse after a transit
If a trader uses this route to place their goods into a customs warehouse, nothing changes in the transit procedures, and they can do the declarations here as they had in the previous setup. However, changes do exist in the new DMS system , such as where to file the declarations for the customs warehouse. For this process, a connection to DMS is necessary to lodge the declarations and enter the necessary information to process a declaration for a customs warehouse. This will ensure that the declaration can be completed in a timely manner.
When this is done, customs authorities will check the declaration and put the goods under the customs warehouse procedure if everything is correct. In this way you can enter the goods into the records of the customs warehouse.
Entry into a customs warehouse after entry into the territory
If you wish to place the goods into a customs warehouse directly from a temporary storage, you will have to lodge a declaration for customs warehousing directly in DMS. This will automatically discharge the goods from temporary storage when the situation changes. One significant aspect is that the declaration for entry into the warehouse and the declaration for temporary storage must provide the same information (e.g., quantity, item description, HS code, etc.). If this is not the case, the goods cannot be placed in the customs warehouse.
I wish to keep my authorisations; will I have to change anything?
It is also possible for the trader to decide to keep the authorisations , this will lead to some new procedural requirements. Customs provided several common examples and what is required for each situation.
Entry into a customs warehouse after a transit
The transit procedure does not change, since this is not affected by the DMS changes, however the procedure that follows does change slightly. Traders will have to file their declarations in DMS 4.1 by doing a presentation notification. This requires a connection to DMS 4.1 and includes all the data that is required for filing a presentation notification. When you present these goods, they must be declared as well, this is done via an entry into the records.
Entry into a customs warehouse after entry into the territory
If you want to move the goods from temporary storage into a customs warehouse, a standard presentation notification is required to be sent via DMS 4.1. This automatically discharges the temporary storage procedure. Customs authorities will check the correctness of the declaration afterwards and the declarant will have to enter the goods into their records.
What information do I need to declare my goods in DMS 4.1
The information required is the information that comes from a standard presentation notification. This is the dataset I2 for presentation of goods with EIDR from the UCC-DA. For the entry into records, the information coming from the dataset H2 for declaring goods into the customs warehouse procedure of the UCC-DA is necessary. A simplified declaration is also allowed, this does however, require that the trader provides dataset i1.
Trader’s choice
These changes will bring about some decisions to be made by the trader. These choices might impact the logistical flow and administration of the declarant. Nevertheless, customs authorities will discuss with the holders of the EiDR authorisations whether they want to keep them or not. This choice must be made before the 1st of January 2023, followed by a potential check from customs whether the trader is following the procedure they committed to. Luckily, the choice is not definitive, but it still requires some attention and reflection by the trader.
How does CAS support these new DMS regulations
CAS customers will be unaffected by the crossover to DMS as these procedures will be automated for them. Because CAS is a SaaS system, legal content is natively included and constantly updated, future-proofing your customs management from changes in technology or legislation.
C4T is in close contact with Dutch customs authorities and will follow up on these changes and the different options for declarations and special procedures such as customs warehouse, inward processing, and temporary admission. It is important for traders to stay notified, C4Ts blogs and social media posts help you stay up to date as well as this NL critical events calendar.
For those who do not have a centralised customs software solution for declaration filing (yet), there are process changes that will need to be made for goods to clear Dutch customs. Learn more details in the blog “AGS to DMS: What will happen with your declarations?”
Additional information on the new declaration filing procedures can also be found on the Customs Administration of the Netherlands website.