When enough is enough
AES, NCTS5, PN/TS, IDMS, ICS2, etc. are some customs IT projects under the Customs’ Multi-Annual Strategic Plan that will give us a warm winter in the coming months.
I remember PLDA’s start-up as if it was yesterday. Chaos, system failure, emergency procedures everywhere, goods being blocked, etc. Then, the start-up of PLDA was postponed due to legal procedures as the system wasn’t performing sufficiently well.
Today, in the corridors at various software vendors, I hear that PLDA was only an anthill compared to the mountain of chaos that may await us in the coming months. That bodes well for the future!
It’s not uncommon for the roll-out of new IT systems to be accompanied by growing pains, and we see it in neighbouring countries as well. But there is currently great concern coming from the business community about the approach or lack thereof by the Belgian Administration. Worried voices echo everywhere during the frequent meetings on the various projects, but it remains to be seen whether this has any effect. All stakeholders have already expressed their concerns at the highest level and called for action.
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Published by: Olivier Schoenmaeckers
Administration: Ines De Bruyn
Marketing: Vanessa Thys
Change of address: Ines De Bruyn, ines@forwardbelgium.be
Editors:
Veerle Van Beeck, Olivier Schoenmaeckers, Jan Jacobs
Pre-press: Ingrid Renders
Concept & creation: KMOdynamoo
However, getting one’s own sector on board with all these changes is also proving to be a huge challenge. We feel it daily in the conversations we have with freight forwarders and customs representatives. It’s too much. There are few who still know exactly what all these abbreviations stand for, what impact they have on their own business processes, what actions they need to take by when, etc. Circulars, webinars, information sessions, etc. It’s no longer enough. It’s too much.
Moreover, in doing so, it is difficult to find people within our companies who still have the time to be part of the countless working groups dealing with all these projects. Technical, functional analysis, impact on processes… it’s not for everyone and it comes on top of daily operational activities. CPu user group, IRP working group, IRP emergency procedure working group, The Way Forward roundtable, The Way Forward Steering Group, IRP – CPu integration working group, RTO overhaul working group, Bulkchain working group, Outbound Release Platform working group, NCTS5 working group, bulk procedure IRP working group, etc. Who feels called to step up?
A tremendous amount of work has been done with NxtPort, under the umbrella of The Way Forward, as the consultation platform of the private port community, over the past few months to develop the Inbound Release Platform (IRP), provide the connection to CPu, link with the customs systems AES, NCTS5, IDMS. IRP is ready but waiting for customs to start. Hopefully, our companies can soon experience the benefits of IRP and see why investing in a digital community platform is worthwhile in the long run.
Let us together hope that the roll-out of all these systems in the coming months is not too fraught with all kinds of problems because, in the end, it is the customs representatives and freight forwarders who have to ensure, through extra efforts, that cargo flows keep moving.
Olivier Schoenmaeckers
Help build the future of the Port!
Havenwereld
Havenwereld (Port World) is an initiative of the Province of Antwerp and Port of Antwerp-Bruges. It will be an interactive experience centre on the Droogdokken site in Antwerp, which will open in 2026, with work having just started recently. With an engaging port experience trail, challenging games, and interactive tasks, all visitors, from young to old, can learn about the fascinating world of the port and get young people excited about a job in the sector.
Become a Havenwereld partner
Together with FORWARD Belgium, Havenwereld will take on the development of the Import-Export Module. This interactive area will introduce visitors to the world of freight forwarding, customs, and logistics – the per-
fect place to inspire young people for a career in our sector.
Members of FORWARD Belgium have the opportunity to partner with Havenwereld. This offers a unique opportunity to contribute to an inspiring project and make your company visible in an innovative environment. If you would like to participate in this promising project and do your bit for the future of the port, please contact the FORWARD Belgium secretariat at info@forwardbelgium.be.
Together, we are investing in a promising future for our industry!
Prepare for the new electronic customs procedures
The acronym MASP-C stands for the EU’s multi-annual strategic plan for the development of electronic customs systems across Europe. The implementation of these systems will have a solid impact on all actors in the logistics chain in the coming weeks and months.
Jan Van Wesemael and Eric Verlinden (Alfaport Voka) argue that a particularly challenging period is ahead for freight forwarders and customs officers.
Alfaport Voka is the platform of and for logistics and maritime companies and professional associations from the Port of Antwerp. The team of experts defends the common interests of its members, including FORWARD Belgium. As the Customs & Compliance senior advisor, Jan Van Wesemael focuses mainly on VAT and customs files. In his role as project manager for The Way Forward, Eric Verlinden is closely involved in digitalisation projects within the port community. Both are well placed to explain the digitalisation of customs procedures required by Europe.
Impact on all links in the chain
“The ongoing customs projects present significant technological challenges, but also have an operational impact,” states Jan. “The procedures between different economic operators are undergoing a real metamorphosis. The ‘single document’ for declarations expires. A much larger and more complex exchange of data (datasets) in goods flows to and from the EU will now take place via a digital platform.” This is the case between all links in the supply chain:
shipping company, shipping agent, terminal, customs representative, freight forwarder, and consignee. Basically, the bottom line is that all current – digital or otherwise – declaration systems, are being overhauled. The familiar PLDA (PaperLess Customs and Excise) is gradually giving way to new applications.
How will the roll-out of MASP-C proceed in Belgium?
For a number of applications, the old and new systems can coexist for a ‘hybrid’ period. The use of PLDA will gradually disappear anyway, until only the new solutions are allowed to be used. Below, you will discover the respective deadlines for our country. We limit ourselves to what is relevant for customs representatives and freight forwarders. Jan goes on to point out that, “Belgian customs often tends to push up deadlines. For that reason, by the way, we are now facing a bottleneck, with several projects in the pipeline in a matter of months.”
• AES – Automated Export System (4 November 2024)
This replaces PLDA export. With the hard deadline in a few weeks, good, confident planning is the message!
• NCTS 5 – New Computerised Transit System (21 January 2025)
For now, only basic functionality will be available. Some specifications remain unclear. Amortisation of cargo lists still poses problems and the notification
process for FASFC goods to be inspected at the port still needs to be reviewed.
• IDMS – Import Declaration Management System (5 February 2025)
This replaces PLDA import and is accompanied by a new way of declaring. The new selection process for FASFC port inspections and some key specifications are still unclear. Here, too, there are still problems with depreciation of cargo lists.
• PN / TS – Presentation Notification / Temporary Storage
What does all this mean concretely for customs representatives and freight forwarders?
“Not only are they still implementing new software (or updating their own applications), but they’ll have to take into account the new form of customs declarations too,” Jan said. “Customs representatives need to focus on facilitating and monitoring data flows. Therefore, declarants will need to be trained so that they can get the hang of how to exchange data with customs. In other words, translating the ‘single document’ into the required datasets and codes.” Eric continues, “One difficulty with this is that everything has to be done at fairly short notice. All while a lot of technical specifications and operational processes have not yet been sufficiently clearly communicated by customs. This is another reason why we expect the impact of all this to be quite significant. Forewarned, forearmed…”
IRP: initiative of the private port community
The private port actors developed the IRP (Inbound Release Platform) using The Way Forward. This digital data platform facilitates communication between supply chain actors and customs, as well as digitising the complex declaration and control process for incoming goods at ports. IRP supports all goods flows in one process and makes information flows transparent and reliable. Meanwhile, The Way Forward is also implementing an ORP (Outbound Release Platform) for outbound goods.
Eric Verlinden
Jan VAN WESEMAEL
FORWARD Belgium in-house guidance: a step forward in logistics expertise
The need for knowledge and training
In a labour market where qualified employees are scarce, investing in knowledge and training becomes essential for companies in the logistics sector. FORWARD Belgium responds to this with its in-house coaching, aimed at freight forwarders and customs representatives. With practical tools and guidelines, FORWARD Belgium supports the industry to effectively address challenges in the logistics chain. This essential basic knowledge is a must for everyone in our industry.
Three unique toolkits
FORWARD Belgium offers three hands-on toolkits tailored to specific roles within the industry:
1. Freight forwarder toolkit: practical basic knowledge
This toolkit focuses on the logistics and legal challenges of freight forwarders. Topics such as cooperation with logistics partners, the most common practical problems, the use of Belgian forwarding conditions, and basic customs concepts are covered in detail. It also focuses on new obligations such as CBAM and EUDR, and the FORWARD reporting point for suspicious shipments.
For those who prefer to learn online: this toolkit will soon be available as an e-learning program!
2. Toolkit for freight forwarders handling customs operations outsourcing
This toolkit maps out the responsibilities of customs intermediaries for freight forwarders outsourcing customs formalities. Practical topics such as client screening, goods inspections, and cooperation with customs representatives are discussed. This reduces risks and improves compliance.
3. Toolkit for shippers: supporting complex logistics chains
This toolkit explains to your client how freight forwarders optimise the logistics chain. By providing insight into mutual responsibilities and the position of freight forwarders, the session contributes to more efficient processes and higher client satisfaction. An ideal toolkit to go through with your client.
Knowledge and education
Target groups and practical information
• Toolkit 1 and 2 target operational staff, sales, finance departments, and claims or risk managers.
• Toolkit 3 is ideal for supply chain managers and client-side operational staff.
• Each session lasts two hours and is suitable for groups of up to 15 people.
Member benefits
• As a member of FORWARD Belgium, you enjoy reduced rates: €500 for Toolkit 1 and 2, and €750 for Toolkit 3.
• The fee for non-members is €950 per session.
• Participants from Joint Committee 226 can also apply for subsidies through the LOGOS training fund.
Book your session today
Want to strengthen your team with industry-specific knowledge and practical insights? Contact the FORWARD Belgium secretariat and book an in-house coaching session.
Together, we are building a stronger logistics future.
FORWARD Belgium and ASV: Partners in modernisation of Customs & Excise sanctions policy
In October 2023, at the proposal of Minister Van Peteghem, the Council of Ministers approved a limited amendment to the General Law on Customs and Excise, allowing the imposition of administrative sanctions from now on. Recently, a committee was set up for an in-depth reform of customs sanctions policy. Companies, freight forwarders, and shipping agents had long been asking for this.
“The general law on customs and excise is very outdated and in urgent need of revision,” says Olivier Schoenmaeckers (director at FORWARD Belgium). Hilde Bruggeman (deputy director-general of Antwerp Shipping Association – ASV) explains: “Most of the legislation still dates back to 1822. A time when customs officers still mainly went after smugglers and secret agents.”
Presumption of guilt
That historical context explains the repressive approach. Customs criminal law – unlike general criminal law – is based on a presumption of guilt. It also does not take any account of the fact that customs representatives act as intermediaries for third parties. “Any violation of customs laws can be criminally prosecuted,” Hilde explained. “In many cases, these are mistakes that were not made with malice. In doing so, you must always be able to prove force majeure. Particularly difficult, since courts assume that, as a professional service provider, you cannot make mistakes. An out-of-
court settlement is possible, but criminal charges always hang over your head. Therefore, there is little incentive to contest cases, even if you are straight.”
Sanctions policy reform
Recognising that reform was imminent, the government formed a committee for this purpose with people from the private sector, customs administration, and academia. Olivier represents freight forwarders and customs representatives, while Hilde represents shipping companies and shipping agents. Olivier argues that the principle of good faith needs further elaboration. “It goes without saying that fighting fraud and crime remains a crucial point for attention. However, companies should be given the opportunity to correct mistakes, possibly coupled with an administrative sanction. This would acknowledge their efforts to comply with all the current complex regulations. Work within the committee has now started and it is mainly a matter of building mutual trust and seeking support.” It’s a good thing, too, because updating these customs laws is in the interest of the entire logistics world.
Olivier Schoenmaeckers
Hilde Bruggeman
FORWARD Goals for Sustainable Development: Your way to a sustainable future
Role of the Logistics Sector
The logistics sector plays a vital role in achieving global climate goals and reducing CO2 emissions. Governments, clients, and young professionals alike expect your company to actively contribute to sustainability. By participating in the ‘FORWARD Goals’, you show that your organisation is committed to sustainable logistics solutions.
Get involved and make a difference
All members and associate members of FORWARD Belgium are cordially invited to participate in this initiative.
How to participate
Participating companies commit to implementing a minimum of 5 sustainable actions across the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These actions must be implemented locally and, if global, the local impact must be demonstrable. Actions must address at least two of the five Ps:
• People: SDG 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5
• Planet: SDG 6, 12, 13, 14, and 15
• Prosperity: SDG 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11
• Peace: SDG 16
• Partnership: SDG 17
Evaluation and recognition
Submitted projects are assessed by an evaluation committee within FORWARD Belgium. Companies that achieve the FORWARD Goals label will receive the prestigious ‘FORWARD Goals for Sustainable Development’ label. This label is a powerful demonstration of your commitment to sustainability and can be shared with clients and partners. In addition, these companies receive a trophy and a certificate valid for two years. A new evaluation will follow after this period.
FORWARD Goals label 2024
The following companies were awarded the FORWARD Goals label in 2024: Antwerp Metal Logistics (AML) –Aprojects – Cryo Logistics – Drewes Logistics – Grimaldi Belgium – Intertrans – Naxco Belgium – Vedrova.
A full list of all companies that have achieved the label can be found at https://forwardbelgium.be/FORWARD-Goals.
Interested in participating?
Contact the FORWARD Belgium secretariat at info@ forwardbelgium.be.
Together, we work towards a sustainable logistics future!
FORWARD Belgium GOLD sponsors 2024
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