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    Questions and Answers about Proof of Union Status (PoUS)

    Proof of Union Status is the new European information system with which Customs issues and checks T2L(F) union status certificates.

    This page sets out the frequently asked questions about this system.

    Authorisation

    • Does the 'Authorised issuer authorisation T2L(F) (ACP)' expire due to the digitisation of the union status certificate?

      No. The 'Authorised issuer authorisation T2L(F) (ACP)', or self-issue union status authorisation, remains in place. The procedure for applying for or checking this authorisation remains the same. But instead of the holder of the authorisation now printing out a paper version of the T2L(F), this will run via the PoUS system from 1 March 2024.

      After your application in the new system, you will receive a Master Reference Number (MRN). This is done without the intervention of Customs. You can use this MRN to demonstrate the union status of goods. In addition, you can always look up the status of the application via the EU Portal. We can also check the union status certificate with the MRN. From 1 March 2024, carriers must show an MRN instead of a paper T2L(F).

    • What are the conditions of an 'Authorised issuer authorisation T2L(F) (ACP)'?

      The conditions of an 'Authorised issuer authorisation T2L(F) (ACP)' can be found at 'Douanevervoer: formulieren, toelichtingen en brochures' (only available in Dutch).

    • Can our company submit and manage T2L(F) applications for other companies in its own name via the EU Customs Trader Portal?

      If your company has an 'Authorised issuer authorisation T2L(F) (ACP)', you may use this authorisation for goods from third parties, private individuals or companies. Your company must meet conditions, such as regularly issuing status certificates and keeping records that we can check. NB All applications for issue and responsibilities will then be in the name of your company.

    • What do I need to apply for and manage T2L(F) on behalf of other companies through the EU Customs Trader Portal?

      First, that company needs to give you something called a ‘chain authorisation’. You can find out more about this on the eHerkenning website.

    • Can I use invoices as status certificates?

      Legislation states that from the start of PoUS, invoices and transport documents cannot be used as status certificates for shipments greater than or equal to € 15.000. From 1 March 2024, those goods require an application for the issuing of a T2L in PoUS.

      For shipments under the limit of € 15.000, it is still possible to use an invoice or transport document as status certificate. These status certificates remain outside PoUS.

    EU Customs Trader Portal and eHerkenning

    • Where can I log in to apply for the new union status certificate from 1 March 2024?

      From 1 March 2024, you must log in via the EU Customs Trader Portal to use the new PoUS system. You can use this to apply for the new union status certificate, previously the T2L(F). Visit 'Log in for customs matters' for more information about the EU Customs Trader Portal (only available in Dutch).

    • How do my colleagues get access to the EU Customs Trader Portal?

      Your colleagues can gain access to the EU Customs Trader Portal via eHerkenning. Your organisation can apply for eHerkenning through one of the eHerkenning suppliers. More information about eHerkenning can be found on the eHerkenning website or 'This is how eHerkenning works'.

    • How do I generate T2L(F) documents via the EU Customs Trader Portal?

      The 'Invulinstructie Proof of Union Status (PoUS) - Uniestatusbewijzen T2L en T2LF' (only in Dutch) explains exactly how to apply for union status certificates T2L and T2LF in the new EU Proof of Union Status. This is done in the EU Customs Trader Portal.

      See also the e-learning 'Proof of Union Status System for Economic operators'.

    • How can my company manage authorisations with eHerkenning?

      If you want to authorise a person on behalf of your company, this must be done via an authorised signatory or via an authorisation manager. An authorisation manager must first be appointed by an authorised person within your company. For more information about authorisations, please visit the website of eHerkenning.

    • Do all documents have to be issued digitally via the PoUS system?

      No, only the T2L and T2LF will be issued online via the PoUS system from 1 March 2024. From the third quarter of 2025, this also applies to the customs manifest. In the system you will find options to add digital attachments.

    • Is it possible to protect areas in the EU Customs Trader Portal?

      Yes, you can protect areas. This can be done via the company administrator or authorisation manager of eHerkenning within your company. For more information about this, visit the eHerkenning website or contact the eHerkenning supplier to which your company is affiliated.

    • Does PoUS have an emergency procedure if the EU Customs Trader Portal or PoUS is temporarily not working?

      Currently, there is no (paper) emergency procedure for PoUS. If the system is temporarily down, you should apply for PoUS once the system is operational again. Mention 'declared afterwards (99210)' in the designated place. Please refer to the instructions (in dutch) for this. Apply for a T2L(F) in advance, as it is valid for 90 days and this should prevent any problems.

    Link PoUS and other software

    • Can customs software suppliers link the electronic Customs Goods Manifest with the PoUS system?

      We are investigating this in the developments of the Customs Goods Manifesto. Please note, this phase will apply from the third quarter of 2025.

    • Is it possible to exchange messages via EDI or API?

      No, that is not yet possible from the first phase. Several Member States have indicated that this should be possible. We are considering this request. If possible, we will add this later. It is not yet clear when this will happen.

    • Is it possible to link PoUS to software from a software supplier such as Portbase or Softpak?

      No, this is not yet possible from 1 March 2024. Several Member States have indicated that this should be possible. We are considering this request. If possible, we will add this later. It is not yet clear when this will happen.

    PoUS Implementation

    • What do the different status notifications in PoUS mean?

      Status notifications PoUS

      B - Awaiting RA results:
      Waiting for risk selection results, not applicable for the Netherlands.

      B - Awaiting control decision:
      The customs authorities must approve an application submitted by a non-authorisation holder who is an authorised consignee.

      B – Awaiting additional documents:
      Customs is waiting for documents. When reviewing an application for a union status certificate, Customs may choose to request additional documents

      B - Awaiting document check:
      The submitted documents need to be reviewed by Customs.

      B – Awaiting physical inspection:
      Customs is waiting for a physical check. During a union status certificate application evaluation, Customs may choose to conduct a physical check.

      B - Awaiting confirmation decision:
      Based on the conducted checks, Customs needs to confirm the application.

      B – Awaiting decision on extended validity period:
      A decision needs to be made on whether a union status certificate can be valid for longer. When applying, you can choose to have union status certificate valid for more than 90 days.

      B - Registered:
      The union status certificate has been registered and can be used.

      B - Rejected:
      The application for a union status certificate has been rejected. A new application must be made.

      B - Expired:
      The 90-day period has expired. The union status certificate cannot be used.


      Use of a union status certificate when importing

      A - Awaiting RA results:
      Waiting for risk selection results, not applicable for the Netherlands.

      A - Awaiting control decision:
      Arrival Notification has been made, and Customs will verify the validity of the union status certificate.

      A – Awaiting additional documents:
      Customs is waiting for documents. When reviewing an application for a union status certificate, Customs may choose to request additional documents

      A - Awaiting document check:
      The submitted documents need to be reviewed by Customs.

      A – Awaiting physical inspection:
      Customs is waiting for a physical check. During a union status certificate application evaluation, Customs may choose to conduct a physical check.

      A - Awaiting confirmation decision:
      Based on the conducted checks, Customs needs to confirm the application.

      A – Awaiting decision on the use of a union status certificate:
      A check has been initiated, and Customs is waiting to decide whether the union status certificate can be used.

      A - Used:
      Use of a union status certificate has been approved. The union status certificate has been used.

      A - Rejected:
      The request to use a union status certificate has been rejected by Customs. 

      A - Expired:
      The 90-day validity period  for the union status certificate has elapsed. It cannot be used.

    • Do I need to provide the driver with anything?

      No, your company does not need to give the driver anything. You can just provide the driver with the Movement Reference Number (MRN) of the application. PoUS does allow you to print a T2L(F) if needed.

    • Why don't I need to fill in the office of destination?

      Because the office of destination is already clear when the goods are brought in.

    • How does the office or country of destination know that the T2L(F) is enclosed with the goods?

      Based on the Movement Reference Number (MRN) provided by the company to the carrier or driver.

    • Do I need to send the MRN to my customer?

      No, this isn't necessary. Your company needs to provide the MRN, but you can decide how to do that.

    • How can I fill in more than 1 item? When I try to upload multiples, I get an error message.

      Click on the plus sign. Only then can you edit and complete the list. The instructions will be updated.

    • Can I create a paper T2L(F)?

      You can only do this if you qualify for a temporary exception. The advice remains to submit applications through PoUS. This temporary exception applies only to certain ACP permit holders. They have a fully automated administration in/for which no separate manual actions are taken to create a proof of status. As a result, they depend on a connection between their automated system and PoUS.

    • Do I need to submit an Arrival Notification?

      Yes, PoUS allows the applicant of the T2L(F) to register an Arrival Notification (AN). In the Netherlands, Customs registers the AN for the goods brought in here. The declarant includes the MRN of the T2L(F) in the Temporary Storage Declaration (ATO). Based on this, the AN is registered within PoUS.

    • Can I modify or cancel an application?

      No, you cannot cancel or modify a submitted application. You must enter data carefully because mistakes cannot be corrected. The only option is to submit a new application. The old application will not be used upon arrival in another member state and will expire after 90 days.

    • How can I indicate in the EU Customs Trader Portal that multiple items are packed in one carton, each with a separate HS code?

      You need to fill in the declaration so that there is no confusion about the total number of packages and the weight. These details are particularly important when transitioning between different customs procedures and moving from Temporary Storage to Customs Transport or Free Circulation. At that point, the number of packages and weights must match exactly.

      Because PoUS does not accept '0' for the data elements weight, gross or net, and number of packages, please fill in the declaration as follows:

      In the description for article 1 of the declaration, indicate that there is 1 carton containing:

      Article 1: etc. etc. etc. with gross and net weight, 6 boxes of goods description and goods code,
      Article 2: etc. etc. etc. with gross and net weight, 3 bags of goods description and goods code,
      Article 3: etc. etc. etc. with gross and net weight, 10 cans of goods description and goods code.

      When indicating the total number of packages, please specify the sum of the individual packages listed with the products, rather than the single carton containing all the small packages combined.

    Contact

    • Where should I go if I have questions or comments about the PoUS system?

      Call the Nationale Helpdesk Douane (National Customs Helpdesk).

    • Where can I find information about maintenance and outages?

      Check the website of the Nationale Helpdesk Douane. There you will find information about outages and maintenance of declaration systems and Single Window.

    • Where should I go if I have dossier-related questions about an authorisation?

      If you are a customer of a business contact point, please contact the business contact point in your region.

    • Where should I go if I have questions about the implementation of PoUS?

      For this, you can an email to: implementaties.PoUS@douane.nl.

    • Where should I go for all other questions?

      Call the DouaneTelefoon (Customs Phone).