Container Release Message - see how your import declaration is changing

From 4 October 2021, Customs will work with level 1 of the so-called Container Release Message (Container Vrijgave Bericht or CVB). This means that your import declaration will only be accepted after the goods have arrived in a Dutch port. In addition your import declaration must also correspond to a previous declaration for temporary storage. This applies not only to goods in containers, but to all cargo by sea.

What does level 1 of the Container Release Message (CVB) mean for you?

We will only accept your import declaration as of 4 October 2021:

  • after the arrival of the goods
    In other words, after arrival of the ship in a Dutch port.
  • if your import declaration matches a declaration for temporary storage submitted earlier

Once your goods have arrived, we do the following:

  1. We check whether you are not submitting your import declaration too early.
  2. We compare the data of the declaration with the data of the declaration for temporary storage (aangifte tot tijdelijke opslag, ATO). We do this by comparing the number of packages, or the weight and the B/L number with the data in the ATO. If there are discrepancies, you will receive an error notification and we will not accept your import declaration. You then have to make an amendment in which you correct the difference. You can find more information about this on the page Correcting discrepancies of (bulk) goods in the subsequent declaration.
  3. We accept your import declaration.
  4. We make a risk selection and we may do a customs check.
  5. We release the goods.
  6. You can collect the goods from the terminal.

How to avoid delays by filing a advance declaration

Do you have an AEO status? In that event, you will be notified prior to the arrival of the goods that we will check your consignment.

If you file a advance declaration prior to the ship arriving in a Dutch port, the collection procedure is accelerated.

This is how the advance declaration works:

  1. You file an advance declaration in the AGS declaration system. We assign a Master Reference Number or MRN.
  2. We check the data in your advance declaration. We compare the data of the advance declaration with the data of the ATO. We do this by comparing the number of packages, or the weight and the B/L number with the data in the ATO. If there are discrepancies, you will receive an error notification and we will not accept your import declaration. You then have to file a new advance declaration in which you correct the discrepancies.
  3. We accept your advance declaration.
  4. Your goods arrive.
  5. You file a presentation notification together with your declaration in AGS.
  6. We accept your declaration.
  7. We make a risk selection and we may do a customs check.
  8. We release the goods.
  9. You can collect the goods from the terminal.

The Container Release Message (CVB) in four stages

We are introducing CVB in stages. Level 1 starts on 3 October 2021, followed by the next stages:

  • Level 2: we also check your CVB against the transit declarations.
  • Level 3: we conduct more accurate gross weight checks.
  • Level 4: we inform declarants about our findings by sending a notification on the status of the goods.

Is the next level starting? You will be informed on this page.

Do you wish to know more?

We have published the website 'Being prepared for the Container Release Message (CVB)', together with Portbase and the umbrella organisations. The website contains all the information on the Container Release Message (CVB) and you will see the FAQ’s. You can download our presentation about the Container Release Message (CVB).

Or listen to the podcast from Beurtvaartadres.