Portals

An example of the coordinated approach involved in CBM (Coordinated Border Management) is the application of the Maritime Single Window (MSW) and the Air Single Window (ASW). We have linked our Entry, Exit and Provisioning customs processes to these systems, with the other authorities requiring information flows about incoming or outgoing goods being connected to them. As a result, companies that previously needed to submit the same information to different government agencies can simply supply one single notification.

All of the declaration processes used by Dutch Customs are completely paperless and automated. Sometimes, under international treaties, non-fiscal legislation requires a paper document, such as a certificate. In order to keep any disruption to the logistics flow to a minimum, we make specific agreements with companies for the submission of these. We realize that this can be a hindrance to logistics in a digital environment. This is why we systematically investigate whether further digitization is possible, working with other agencies. The Netherlands has already digitized a number of processes, such as digital certificates for the import and export of plants with some countries, being the only country in the world to do so.

In other areas, too (permits, excise duties, refunds and objections), companies can look up their data and complete a number of processes digitally.