Not much has been communicated about it yet, however, the targeted go-lives for the new Belgian systems come at the back of the queue, in the member states where Stream Software operates. It is therefore no less important, on the contrary. Belgium remains Stream Software's most important market, so we are going to step up communication, to get every user of the Belgian systems ready for the transition to the new declaration systems.
First of all, we should pass along some general novelties. As in all other member states, the UCC (Union Customs Code) is at the basis of the changes. In order not to go into too much detail, we have to mention that the data model of all declaration procedures is changing. Towards the new procedures we base ourselves on the EUCDM, the so-called European Customs Data Model. More information on this can be found at https://eucdm.softdev.eu.com/.
The fact that we no longer think in the familiar declaration procedures (think of the 40 00 or 31 71, or the familiar document codes such as EUA or IMAJ), but in H1 or another newly defined term, is going to take some getting used to. Below is a brief overview for imports that everyone can expect:
Below also a brief overview for exports what everyone can expect:
Schematically and with a link towards previous procedures, this gives the following overview:
What will also have an impact is the disappearance of the well-known Single Document. Stream Software still provides a printout very similar to the Single Document, so that everyone can fall back on a known template.
Let's start with AES (Automated Export System). It has been in the planning for a while, but PLDA is going to disappear. The export part will be replaced by AES. Meanwhile, another new timeframe was communicated by Customs. There will be a transition period for AES from 15/04/2024 running until 30/06/2024.
Behind it, a lot is changing in messaging with customs. 40% of the messages within AES are completely new, 60% are undergoing a transformation to EUCDM with the addition of a number of fields compared to the existing one. In addition, up to 9,999 item lines per declaration can be sent, whereas in PLDA export there are currently 'only' 999.
Another change that will nevertheless take some getting used to by many a declarant is the division of Box 44. This will be divided into the following categories:
The known codes remain preserved, within our application we recognize the type of document and category, so that pragmatically the declaration can be fully prepared. Of course, our Declarant Assist also offers another check to a complete and compliant declaration, before it is sent to customs!
A digital emergency procedure is planned, however, it still needs to be developed. We do not expect it immediately upon go-live of AES. We can also report that a separate message has been created for the arrival at exit of consolidated shipments (IE507). The verification would be done at the consolidator, so that no more risk analysis needs to be done upon arrival at the terminal. The well-known Charge Report as well as Transfer Message will also be included in AES.
As with AES, up to 9,999 commodity lines will be allowed for an import declaration. The division of Box 44 also applies to IDMS, and a digital emergency procedure is also planned for this new procedure.
In addition, regularizations as we know them now are a thing of the past. Corrections to a declaration will have to be inserted in the initial declaration, one will no longer receive a second MRN after regularization. Control messages will also be introduced. Where in the past customs controls were notified by e-mail, the control method will now be communicated within the digital declaration.
Specifically for imports, the current form of the DV1 will also disappear. However, the valuation is contained in the data elements of the import declaration.
A whole new MASP schedule was communicated in early December 2023. According to the current planning, customs migrates to all previously mentioned systems in the first half of 2024. The upgrade of NCTS Phase 4 to Phase 5 is postponed to Q4 2024, within a transition period from 30/09/2024 to 30/12/2024. IDMS goes live on 24/04/2024, albeit with a transition period through 31/08/2024. AES has a target date of 15/04/2024 according to current planning, however also with a transition period until 30/06/2024.
So NCTS (New Computerized Transit System) is also getting a major upgrade to the so-called Phase 5. Again, the biggest change is behind, as messaging with customs is changing to XML. However, there are also changes where the user will experience an impact. Soon it will be compulsory to include at least a 6-digit HS code in the transit document, and the fixed amount of the call segment will disappear. For more info, be sure to check out our story page on NCTS via this link.
Stream Software has now started developing the new declaration systems. Since in our neighboring member states the Netherlands and Luxembourg are equally adapting the basic systems, we have already gained enormous experience.
Stream Software will inform all our users in a timely manner regarding the changes within the application. For DMS4.0 and LUCCS import we informed via a webinar, after which all information (presentation, webinar and manual) will be shared on a newly created platform. In addition, we offer everyone the opportunity to launch questions around the new declaration systems, through our survey page also available on our website. Questions will be handled by a separate UCC implementation team, and will be included in the FAQ section of the previously mentioned platform.
Should changes in the planning be communicated, we will inform everyone immediately through the known channels! Belgian Customs has also recently published useful information on their website. Useful links can be found below:
