Service Notification Local Clearance stops

Via the Portbase service Notification Local Clearance, forwarders, importers, and agents with an IIAA licence can easily report to Customs if goods arriving from overseas are placed in a customs warehouse or released into free circulation, also known as the regulations ‘Domproc Entreport (DEN)’ and ‘Domproc Import (DIN)’. We assume that use of this service will no longer be possible as of June 3rd. The service Notification Local Clearance is expected to cease to exist then.

As requested by the market, Portbase, in consultation with Customs, has initially managed to extend the use of the Notification Local Clearance under certain conditions. But as of June 3, 2024, the implementation of Import Control System 2 (ICS2) will start. The implementation of this has a direct impact on the functioning of Notification Local Clearance, as a result Portbase can unfortunately no longer offer the Notification Local Clearance from that date.

We realize that this is not a pleasant message for the users of Notification Local Clearance. This is based on the current planning of all customs regulations and related implementations. Customs, branch organisations and Portbase are exploring whether some extension of Notification Local Clearance is possible. We will keep you informed about this. In the meantime, we urge you to take note that per June 3rd you will need to use another suitable customs procedure as a replacement.

Van der Stelt Logistics is fully prepared for the Secure Chain with Portbase services

Van der Stelt Logistics, headquartered in Giessen, North Brabant, views the rollout of the Secure Chain as an opportunity to enhance data exchange among all stakeholders in the global supply chain.

‘We have been involved in the development and specification of the Secure Chain from the start in the pilot phase via Portbase,’’ states Gerrit de Joode of Van der Stelt Logistics.
In various working groups, we thrashed out a specification for workability in practice and fast and smart sharing of required data with all the parties involved.

Via the available API links they access various Portbase services within their TMS, including Hinterland Container Notification and Cargo Controller.

“Thanks to complete integration within the transport management system and by making use of the ‘web screens’ for exceptions, we are able to provide our customers with the latest container status more quickly and effectively. That’s also where our role as a logistics service provider lies within the ‘digital world’. The customer is able to focus on its own processes, while we take care of the complete logistics handling based on the latest container status.”

The company sees a lot of opportunities in terms of digital, particularly the further development of container status sharing, for example returning containers empty to an ‘empty depot’ within the Secure Chain. ‘’We also see ‘Port Alert’ as a direct complement to the Secure Chain, an active tool for drivers and planners to accurately deal with all the challenges involved in digitalization.”

“The updated process is very user-friendly and we have found that Portbase are happy to help, respond very quickly and assist us with any questions or problems”

One of the companies that has joined the Secure Chain via Portbase is GoReefers. The Secure Chain is the partnership between business and government for a more secure and reliable release and collection process for import containers.

GoReefers specialises in fresh, perishable products such as fruit and vegetables and, in a short interview, they recount their experience of the pilot phase.

GoReefers’ challenge

“Right now, our biggest challenge with regard to import containers is the time between picking the produce and in-store delivery, says Joel Green, Office Manager at Goglobal Group.

The number of days which is acceptable depends on the type of fruit. The hundreds of containers we collect when the vessel arrives put enormous pressure on transport and freezer storage. Monitoring the correct vessel planning and ETA changes at short notice is therefore crucial.”

For GoReefers, a number of aspects are extremely important:

⚡ The visibility of container status to share relevant information with customers.

⚡ Operational efficiency to transport perishables as quickly as possible, plus confidence in the new process to deliver the cargo safely to the correct verified company.

Embrace the change of the Secure Chain and experience the benefits

Finally, Joel says they have found the pilot phase of the Secure Chain to be a positive experience and would encourage other companies to embrace the change. “The process is very user-friendly and we have found that Portbase are happy to help, respond very quickly and assist us with any questions or problems.

We have also found that the new way of working saves time. For example, we can set up alerts to receive much-needed information, and troubleshooting is easier and more efficient. This way of working allows us to effectively manage our volumes and outstanding releases in Portbase and gives us more insight into the status of shipments, whilst taking advantage of the other benefits that Portbase offers.”

“Get involved and help make sure the port of Rotterdam is seen as a safe place to do business.”

Steinweg joined the Secure Chain, the partnership between business and government for a more secure and reliable release and collection process for import containers, in the pilot phase. It has been a positive experience for them and they are calling on others to participate as well. The aim: to work together to make sure the port of Rotterdam is seen as a safe place to do business.

Steinweg say several aspects of this new way of working are important for the company. For instance, it is no longer necessary for individuals to have access to PINs, making the process safer from a security perspective. In addition, it also improves efficiency. This is because there is no need to wait for forwarders to physically send the data to the transport department, which in turn has to work out the relevant data.

With the 31 March deadline approaching, Steinweg say they face several challenges ahead. But they also experienced a number of benefits during the pilot phase. For instance, the new way of working allows them to more effectively and efficiently transfer sensitive information in a secure, timely and accurate fashion. Finally, they also observed internally that the administrative processing of containers was faster.

Portbase director Peter de Graaf: “The Secure Chain is a shining example of public/private partnership”

As the neutral and independent logistics platform for the Dutch ports, Portbase was asked to contribute to the technical realisation and implementation of the Secure Chain. This has meant adding an extra authorisation layer on top of the existing digital services in the Port Community System (PCS) that Portbase manages and develops. What exactly has that involved and how will it affect the port community? Portbase director Peter de Graaf answers. An interview.

What is the secure chain and what role does Portbase play in it?

“The Secure Chain is a joint initiative by government and industry to make port logistics chains more digitally resilient. The secure and reliable release and collection of import containers at Dutch ports is an important part of that. At Portbase, we have been involved in port logistics for more than twenty years and our mission is to facilitate a secure, sustainable and efficient flow of goods in and for the Dutch seaports.   To that end, we have developed the Port Community System that helps the port community do business smoothly and securely via digital services and data sharing. This gives us a vital position in port logistics, which makes it natural that we should also be an important link in the Secure Chain.”

How significant is the Secure Chain for Portbase?

“For us, it is hugely important. It touches on our mission to build the smartest port communities. Together, we are working to increase the potential of data for seamless, sustainable and secure goods flows. Technically, we are facilitating that by adding an extra authorisation layer that enables parties to interact securely. Because organisations first have to authorise each other, this results in a closed and controlled environment. Which makes things more reliable and secure for all parties concerned and so contributes to increasing the digital resilience and competitiveness of the Dutch ports.

What is the biggest challenge for Portbase when it comes to the Secure Chain?

 “It’s the implementation. Ultimately, we need to make sure that everyone in the chain gets on board and connects to our platform in a controlled and smooth manner. And that includes not only those who already using our platform but also all their partners, customers and new users. In some cases, they are not yet familiar with our platform or services. So we have to make sure we keep everyone properly informed and involved.”

In terms of organisation, what has the introduction of the Secure Chain meant for Portbase?

 “On the one hand, a lot of time and attention is going into implementation. But in addition, the onboarding of new parties onto our platform also has to happen in a proper and controlled manner. Besides that, our support organisation needs to be ready to support existing and new users with this change, including after the implementation phase. The Secure Chain makes processes safer and more efficient. It involves assessing which information each party is permitted to have and pass on. This also means that we will be adjusting our processes at Portbase to ensure the safety of our own employees and the port. This may have consequences for the customer experience.”

 What are you most proud of when it comes to Portbase and the Secure Chain?

 “We are very proud that we have been able to contribute to bringing together all the stakeholders, government agencies and industry and arrive at a jointly agreed plan of action. The roll-out is now in full swing. From 31 March, all cargo flows from Latin America will go through the Secure Chain. That’s a big step forward and a great example of public-private partnership.

The importance of working together and sharing data is increasing all the time

Erniesoft has worked closely with Portbase to develop the new functionalities in the services required for the Secure Chain. The firm was already involved in the pilot phase and conducted extensive testing to optimise the services.

The goal of the new approach to prenotification within the Secure Chain is a closed release and collection process involving only authorised Shipping Lines, Agents, Shippers, Forwarders and Inland Operators within the Portbase services. “This integration marks a crucial step in the drive for increased security and reliability within the logistics processes.  This closer cooperation and improved secure data exchange will help us better serve our customers and remain at the forefront of the logistics sector as a leading TMS vendor”, says Mehmet Erbil of Erniesoft.

Based in Schiedam, the Netherlands, Erniesoft is a leading player in the logistics sector and serves global customers.

What benefits does Erniesoft get from the Portbase services in relation to the Secure Chain?

  • Firstly, e-Lips TMS offers seamless integration with Portbase, allowing customers to benefit from automated data exchange that promotes efficiency.

Erniesoft’s ambition is to reduce the number of manual operations performed by planners to the minimum.

Thanks to the new link with Portbase for the Secure Chain, planners can control everything effortlessly without any manual processes.

  • Secure Chain integrated into e-Lips TMS
  • All containers are automatically assigned to the inland operator by the customer/forwarder. e-Lips TMS then processes all containers assigned to the carrier 100% automatically within the Secure Chain. This allows the planner to see immediately whether everything is in place for the container prenotification, making manual status checks unnecessary. In addition, e-Lips TMS enables automatic nomination for containers transported by another inland operator directly within the terminal management system.

Erniesoft faces the challenge of making sure e-Lips TMS contains the right API links to ensure smooth operation of the Secure Chain. Erniesoft needs to be constantly up-to-date on the latest technological developments and be able to apply them effectively in order to meet its customers’ needs and ensure smooth operation of the Secure Chain in e-Lips TMS.

Erniesoft strongly believes in good communication and close relationships with customers, and especially in informing them of major changes such as within the Secure Chain. One way of doing so was to hold a customer day at which Portbase provided the guest speaker.  In addition, Erniesoft sends out regular newsletters and shares updates through its Social Media channels.

“Our customer-centric approach also includes close contact through face-to-face meetings and follow-ups, allowing us to get immediate feedback and address any questions or concerns about the Secure Chain. With this approach, we are making sure our customers are always properly informed and get the necessary support to cope with the changes resulting from the Secure Chain.”

Kraaijeveld positive about import process for containers thanks to new working method via service Cargo Controller

“A challenge we face as an organisation is collecting and collating information in a central location so that the import process is disrupted as little as possible”, says Maria Lagendijk-Casteleijn of Kraaijeveld.  

Based in Maasland (Netherlands), Kraaijeveld serves global clients in the gastronomic wholesale, processing industry and retail sectors.

“In the pilot phase, we joined the Secure Chain, the partnership between business and government for a more secure and reliable release and collection process for import containers.

By using the service Cargo Controller, we try to make the import process as quick as possible. Aspects like security in the chain, efficiency and insight into the process are important for our organisation.”

“We have observed positive changes with the new way of working thanks to the Secure Chain. For instance, we are able to easily share data, but also to quickly and easily view the status of the import shipment. And that makes life easier. Because we control all the processes ourselves, the release and collection of import containers is simpler, faster and more transparent thanks to the Secure Chain!”

Want more information on how to join the Secure Chain via Portbase? Click here.

APM Terminals Maasvlakte II shares extra data elements in Cargo Controller

Sharing reliable data is essential to keep the logistics chain running smoothly, this is something Portbase and APM Terminals Maasvlakte II (APMT MVII) fully believe in. APMT MVII is sharing additional data elements in Cargo Controller effective immediately. Through this cooperation, they enable the industry to work more efficiently and safely, in one central platform.

“APMT MVII wants to become Europe’s most modern gateway, sharing crucial data that helps the chain to increase reliability is an important part of that” says Harold Kunst, Managing Director of APMT MVII.

Therefore, from now on, the following additional data elements are available in Cargo Controller:

  • ETA/ETD vessel
  • Gate out – only available after nomination of carrier (Secure Chain)

* APM has the right to change or alter these conditions. All parties involved will be properly informed of any changes to the conditions ahead of time.

”We see in the market that there is great demand for reliable data, coming directly from the terminals, and we are happy that we can cater to this need through this collaboration, to serve the port community. By doing so, we have laid the foundation of how we can share data, to build Europe’s smartest ports together” states Iwan van der Wolf, Managing Director of Portbase.

Your benefits
The terminal data now available in the Portbase service Cargo Controller is going to move the port forward. Making APMT MVII data available offers you the following benefits:

  • Reliable data directly from the terminal
  • Data from various sources centrally available in the Port Community System (PCS)
  • Greater efficiency in the logistics chain
  • Time savings due to fewer searches in various systems
  • Retention of relevant data

For more about the availability of terminal data in Cargo Controller, click here.

Digitalisation helps make port logistics more sustainable

Sustainability is an increasingly important issue for port logistics companies. As a neutral logistics platform, Portbase wants to help the community move forward in this area. After all, as well as improving quality, digitalisation results in increased efficiency, which in turn is the basis for more sustainable operations. A recently developed emissions reduction model shows the potential CO2 savings from using the Port Community System (PCS).

“We worked with research firm Ecorys to develop the emissions reduction model”, says Stephanie van den Berg. As Lead Sustainability, she is responsible for sustainability efforts at Portbase. “The model gives companies concrete insight into their potential sustainability gains from using Portbase services, and in particular the emissions reductions they could achieve by participating in our services Notification Import Documentation, Notification Export Documentation and Hinterland Container Notification.”

Making potential CO2 savings tangible

For the model, Ecorys made realistic calculations of potential emissions reductions from using the relevant Portbase services. Stephanie: “Think better flow at terminals, fewer empty chassis, less stopping and waiting, better capacity utilisation and a modal shift. The results are visible in the model as potential savings in tons of CO2 and in euros. These figures have also been translated into the number of trees, flights between Amsterdam and Rome, train trips between Amsterdam and Paris, years of driving a petrol-powered car and years of electricity consumption by an average Dutch household. Overall, we can say that the figures do show that digitalising the ports – and hence making them more efficient – also contributes to making them more sustainable.”

Sustainability a key component of strategy

The emissions reduction model is one of the elements in a more comprehensive sustainability strategy for the period 2023 – 2025. Through this strategy, Portbase wants to further contribute to meeting the sustainability challenges facing the community. Stephanie: “In the sustainability strategy, we define three areas of focus: our own organisation, our portfolio of services for the market and the larger ecosystem within which we operate at Portbase.”

Concrete actions

The detailed mapping of Portbase’s own footprint is scheduled for 2024. Stephanie anticipates a positive outcome. “We already have a sustainable mobility policy, explicitly focus on employee safety and vitality, are located in a sustainable building certified as BREEAM excellent, and our services run in a cloud that will be 100% green by 2025.”

The emissions reduction model is one of the tools in the portfolio of services provided to customers. “When expanding existing services and developing new ones, we will also be actively promoting sustainability by including emissions reduction in our prioritisation”, says Stephanie. “Finally, in the larger ecosystem, our primary focus is on disseminating or acquiring knowledge, nationally and internationally, and forming coalitions. The ultimate goal is emission-free ports by 2050.”

Taking a lead for the community

How and in what role Portbase can further contribute to making ports more sustainable in the coming years is an open question for Stephanie. “The emissions reduction model shows that digitalisation has concrete effects. Now we are trying to identify the appropriate next steps. What does the community need? We want to identify future sustainability trends and catalogue the rapidly increasing volume of laws and regulations. What impact will they have on the ports’ core processes? More and more actors are realising that now is the time to act. As a neutral umbrella organisation of and for the community, we enjoy engaging with our customers, in customer panels and our strategic advisory board. We like to hear what our customers’ needs are in terms of making port logistics more sustainable. With the help of digitalisation, we can do a lot more in terms of sustainability!”

CMA CGM Holland BV is expanding the roll-out of the Secure Chain

CMA CGM Holland BV is expanding the roll-out of the Secure Chain system to release shipments to customers without the use of pincodes. The new system increases the security of the release from carrier to customer, forwarder and haulier. The pincodes have been removed from the process to ensure that no sensitive details can be shared with third parties. Within Portbase there are very easy to use functionalities to receive and nominate shipment releases.

“We are confident that using the new Secure Chain system is a very important step towards the increased safety of our staff. We see a smooth transfer nominating the “rights” of the shipment from carrier to customer and then onwards to the final party who will pick up the container at the terminal. Multi Factor Authentication is mandatory to log into Portbase which ensures we have a full track record of all entries.”