Stricter customs requirements for maritime import cargo from outside the EU

Effective date: 1 October 2021

What changes?

Do you import goods from outside of the European Union? And do you import through a Dutch port? The subsequent declarations of good from outside of the EU will change. From 4 October 2021, 12:00 hours, Dutch Customs will implement the Container Release Message (Container Vrijgave Bericht, CVB) step by step. The CVB applies to containers, trailers, general cargo and bulk cargo.

As a result of the CVB procedure, it will no longer be possible to submit an import declaration before the goods have been unloaded.

You can already prepare for the CVB. The website Prepare for the CVB has all the information to help you with this.

For whom?

customs agents
importers
container terminals
shipping companies
ferry operators
freight brokers
carriers
software suppliers

When?

This change in customs requirements for maritime import cargo from outside the EU will enter into force on 1 October 2021. Implementation of the CVB starts from 4 October, 12:00 hours.