The introduction of the 1st stage of the Container Release Message (Container Vrijgave Bericht or CVB) as of 1 October 2021

From 1 October 2021, Dutch Customs introduces the Container Release Message (Container Vrijgave Bericht or CVB) in stages. From 1 October, the first stage of CVB starts off, which means that from that point onwards, Customs conducts stricter checks in respect of the correct completion of detailed declarations of goods imported by sea which are in temporary storage. Declarants in all port sectors must make the proper preparations. The first stage of CVB applies to containers as well as trailers, mixed cargo and bulk cargo.

What does the first stage of the Container Release Message (CVB) actually mean?

The first stage of the Container Release Message means that Customs checks the detailed declaration in the AGS declaration system against the Declaration for Temporary Storage (Aangifte voor Tijdelijke Opslag or ATO). An AGS declaration will only be accepted if the data in the declaration correspond to the data in the Declaration for Temporary Storage (Aangifte tot Tijdelijke Opslag or ATO). In addition, Customs ensures that a detailed declaration is not accepted until the goods have been presented. It means that an AGS declaration is not accepted until after the arrival of the ship in the Dutch port, in conformity with the Arrival Notification (Actual Time of Arrival or ATA)

What does it mean for logistics?

If the AGS declaration cannot be accepted, the load is not allowed to leave the terminal. To prevent any delay, it is important that the number of the Bill of Lading (BL number), the number of packages and the weight correspond to the detailed declaration in the Declaration for Temporary Storage (ATO).

Why is Customs introducing the Container Release Message (CVB)?

The Container Release Message guarantees that the data of the ATO declaration correspond to the data of the detailed declaration. At the moment there are continuous mismatches between the declarations and many items in the ATO declaration are not being remedied. It leads to a lot of unnecessary work to adjust all of the links in the logistics chain and it may lead to Request for Payments (Uitnodiging tot Betaling or UTB) and fines. The Container Release Message (CVB) prevents companies from filing incorrect detailed declarations as well as making sure that there is compliance with the statutory requirements.

Who needs to prepare for the Container Release Message (CVB)?

The Container Release Message (CVB) applies to all of the maritime import loads coming from outside the EU: containers, trailers, mixed cargo and bulk cargo. In brief, all of the parties in the logistics chain must make preparations for the Container Release Message (CVB), that is to say: declarants (customs agents and importers), shipping companies and freight brokers, importers (non-declarants), carriers, container terminals and ferry operators.

How can I prepare for the Container Release Message (CVB)?

The introduction of the Container Release Message (CVB) means that Customs conducts stricter checks as to whether the reference to the ATO, the number of packages and the weights of the AGS declaration correspond to the details in the ATO. If these data do not correspond, you receive an error message and the declaration is not accepted. Please ensure the following: · The detailed declaration must make reference to the correct Bill of Lading number; an incorrect BL number means that Customs rejects the declaration. · The gross weight on the declaration must correspond to the details in the ATO. · The number of the packages on the declaration must correspond to the details in the ATO. · And last but not least, the detailed declaration is not made until the arrival of the ship (ATA), any declarations that were submitted earlier are not accepted.

Make the choice for a pre-declaration

The most efficient way to make a detailed declaration after the introduction of the CVB, is by way of a pre-declaration in addition to an – automatic – presentation message following arrival. Customs processes pre-declarations prior to the arrival of a ship. If all of the details between the pre-declaration and the detailed declaration do not correspond, you are informed. In such a case, you must submit a new pre-declaration. Making a predeclaration prevents any errors from being discovered after the arrival of the ship which in turn, may result in a delay of the logistics. The only thing that must take place upon arrival of the ship (ATA) or the moment of unloading, is to present the goods by submitting the presentation message in the AGS system. Following that, the declaration can be accepted the goods can be released -possibly after a check-. Providers of logistics offer several solutions for the automated sending of presentation messages to Customs.

Ensure you have a proper chain cooperation

The Container Release Message (CVB) makes it even more important that as a declarant, you have the correct data at the right moment for the purpose of your detailed declaration. A good coordination with the shipping company, the freight broker of the ferry operator ensures that the load goes through the port quickly and unchanged.

More information?

Please go to the website www.voorbereidophetcvb.nl for more information about the Container Release Message (CVB) and the ways in which businesses can make preparations. This website is a joint initiative of trade associations, interest groups, Portbase and Customs.