Official customs announcement: introduction of plateau 1 Container Release Notice on 1 October

The procedure for submitting subsequent declarations for goods from outside the European Union is changing. From 1 October 2021, Dutch customs will be introducing the Container Release Notice (CVB) in step-by-step fashion. This official letter from customs sets out the changes to its working method with regard to the CVB.

The CVB in outline

New arrangements for the existing import process:

  • Correct match
    The CVB matches the Declaration for Temporary Storage (Aangifte voor Tijdelijke Opslag or ATO in Dutch) with the subsequent declaration.
  • On time
    The CVB requires that a subsequent declaration be made after the ship’s ATA.
  • Correct details
    The B/L on the ATO and the subsequent declaration must be identical. The weight on the subsequent declaration may not be greater than the weight on the B/L.
  • Condition for transport
    Without the CVB, permission will not be granted to leave the terminal.
  • Acting early is the key
    A preliminary declaration + (automatic) presentation notification will speed up your logistics.

Please note: If your declarations are done for you by a third party, we recommend that you talk to the other companies in your chain and that – together with your logistics partner – you prepare thoroughly for the CVB.

Ready for the CVB

You can read all about the CVB at www.voorbereidophetCVB.nl, a joint initiative by industry bodies, interest groups, Portbase and customs. There you can read what the CVB will mean for you as a notifying parter (customs agent/importer), as an importer (not the notifying party) and as a carrier. Prepare in time. Only together can we prevent congestion in the ports!

Want to know more?

Read how you can prepare here or contact Peter Vink at sales@portbase.com or on +31(0)88 6252534.

Last call: switching to IAMconnected essential for accessing PCS

Logging into the Port Community System (Port Community System (PCS) has changed. Portbase introduced IAMconnected last year. This new Portbase service combines ease of use with increased security. This higher level of security is necessary to continue the digital development of the Dutch ports and their logistics chain.

Digital security in the port

Because a future secure port calls for more than just physical security. The data associated with all the activities in and around a port is of vital importance to the future of the Dutch ports and assuring security is the top priority. As part of the digital infrastructure, Portbase plays a role in providing digital security for the exchange of logistics data.

The new method of logging in with IAMconnected allows companies to use all kinds of services in an easier and more accessible way. It is now simpler for them to grant access to their own employees, and also to revoke that access, and easier for service providers to reliably confirm identities without having to set up their own processes for creating/supporting customer users. All accounts are personal (no group accounts) and can be provided with an extra security layer via Multi Factor Authentication, so making it even more difficult for unauthorised parties and individuals to obtain data or make notifications. And that’s good news for everyone involved in the logistics chain.

Switching is essential

Over the past two years, Portbase has run various campaigns informing its customers about the new method of logging in and the associated actions they needed to take. Many of them have already made the transition to IAMconnected. However, there are still companies which have not heeded the call to do so. Portbase’s message to those companies is: take your responsibility, perform these actions before 29 June, otherwise your existing PCS account will become inactive. An inactive account means you will not be able to perform any actions in the PCS and you will therefore be harming not only yourself but also your partners in the supply chain. By way of illustration: it will take an average of 3 days before an inactive account can be reactivated. This will directly affect operational processes in and around the Dutch ports.

How to switch to IAMconnected

Switching to IAMconnected is simple. Portbase offers companies a transition service for migrating all PCS data, user roles, privileges and Portbase services. A few small actions are enough, most of the process takes place automatically. You can find comprehensive information about switching to IAMconnected at: support.portbase.com/en/switching-to-iamconnected/.

HCN Rail to replace your current service Rail Planning

In the near future, Portbase will automatically migrate all participants in the current service Rail Planning to the new service Hinterland Container Notification (HCN) Rail. Intermodal operators will soon be able to start making use of the service; bulk operators will follow later this year as well.

Featuring a new, fresh look & feel, HCN Rail will initially offer you the same functionalities as Rail Planning, supplemented with some minor improvements. From the fourth quarter, Portbase next plans to expand the usage options for the rail sector in phases.

View overview of changes

First the intermodal participants, then the bulk sector

It is the ambition of Portbase to migrate all intermodal rail operators to HCN Rail before the summer. In the third quarter, traction suppliers in the bulk sector will follow. All participants will automatically have access to the new HCN Rail web screens.

From EDI to API

To use a system link-up, HCN Rail requires a switch from EDI to API. As a transitional solution, Portbase offers current participants in Rail Planning who still work via EDI an EDI converter free of charge* for the first year. This converter automatically converts data supplied in EDI to the API format required for HCN Rail. This gives you ample time to implement the API specifications in consultation with your software supplier. These API specifications will be made available to you soon.

 

Expansion of service provision

From the fourth quarter of 2021, HCN Rail will offer the first expansions. Among other things, the planning includes the registration of trains, the specification of train compositions and updates on the terminal operation. These can only be used by means of an API link-up or the web screens.

More information

Do you have any questions? Our Business Manager Ron Martens will be happy to assist you. You can reach him on +31 (0)6 51 26 77 64 or at r.martens@portbase.com.

* The fee for the EDI converter following the free transitional phase will be announced later this year.

All road hauliers migrated to new version HCN Road

Older versions discontinued by Portbase as of 30 June

In the past period, all road hauliers have been successfully migrated to a new version of Hinterland Container Notification (HCN) Road. For Portbase, this serves as the basis for further expanding the service provision to the road transport sector. As of the 30th of June 2021, the old versions of Road Planning and HCN Road will definitely be discontinued.

All road hauliers have already been satisfactorily working via the web screens of the new HCN Road for some time. By means of an EDI converter, we have connected customers with and EDI link-up to the new service. This converter automatically converts data supplied in EDI to the API format required for the new service HCN Road. Furthermore, a number of carriers have already switched to the updated API link-up, thus readying them for the latest functionalities.

EDI converter free for one year

The use of the EDI converter is free of charge for the first year*. This gives participants ample time to make the switch to API in consultation with their software supplier. The API specifications for this are available here.

Expansion of service provision

Based on the new version of HCN Road, a substantial expansion of the service provision has been planned. Think of cargo opening/cargo closing and commercial windows, for example. An overview is available here. All new functionalities are only available via the most current API link-up and via the web screens of HCN Road.

More information

Do you have any questions? Our Service Desk will be happy to assist you. You can reach them via servicedesk@portbase.com or on +31 (0)88 625 25 25. All information about the changes to HCN Road can also be found on Portbase Support.

* The fee for the EDI converter following the free transitional phase will be announced later this year.

Access to PCS via Internet Explorer 11 is ending

Make sure you switch before 31 October 2021!

In our systems, we can see that a substantial number of customers are currently still using Internet Explorer 11 for access to the Port Community System (PCS). For reasons of security and optimum system operation, this will no longer be possible from 31 October 2021. If this affects you, we advise you to switch to a new browser as soon as possible. PCS offers you an optimum user experience via Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome or Firefox.

Outdated browser
Internet Explorer 11 is an outdated browser. Microsoft has announced it will stop supporting it during the course of this year. Secure, trouble-free use of the PCS can then no longer be guaranteed. Even now, keeping Internet Explorer 11 up and running is costing us more time, ultimately increasing costs for the community.

Cybersecurity our number 1 priority
Digital information exchange is becoming increasingly important in the port and logistics sector. That makes our sector considerably more sensitive to cybercrime. Secure access to the PCS is therefore the number 1 priority for Portbase. On our website you can read all about our digital security measures and how you can make an important contribution yourself. This includes replacing Internet Explorer 11 with a more secure option as soon as possible – but in any event before 31 October 2021.

More information
Do you have questions about the phasing out of Internet Explorer 11? You can read more here or contact our Service Desk on 088 625 25 25 or servicedesk@portbase.com.

Major step forward in data connection with CBS for container goods transport

In recent weeks, Portbase, CBS (Statistics Netherlands) and Rijkswaterstaat (the Directorate-General for Transport & Water Management) have taken an important step towards building a database of container goods transport data and making it available to CBS.

Data delivery via Portbase is now operational, thanks to the cooperation of various container terminals in the port of Rotterdam and the support of VRTO (the Association of Rotterdam Terminal Operators).

In a pilot project, ECT (Hutchison Ports ECT Rotterdam) was the first container terminal in Rotterdam to make its data available via a direct link, thereby playing an important pioneering role. Data is now flowing to CBS from several terminals via Portbase. This gives CBS multiple ways of enabling logistics stakeholders to supply their data.

CBS, commissioned by Rijkswaterstaat, is investigating possibilities for visualising the routes taken by containers through the Netherlands from start to finish as part of a project to improve the visibility of container transport in the chain. CBS links the mainport data to data from other hinterland logistics sources. The project aims to provide public authorities, and by extension the business community, with (very up-to-date and detailed) data which they can integrate into their dashboards or use for policy and research. It is worth noting that CBS only makes statistics available in aggregate form, which means that individual companies cannot be identified. The project has the support of the Top Sector Logistics.

The data can be used to better monitor all the developments throughout the logistics chain, and is therefore important for informing better policy decisions on the construction and use of multimodal infrastructure (including the infrastructure of seaports).

In order to produce good statistics, CBS needs data on the routes taken by individual containers. These are supplemented with data about the cargo, via a link to the customs files. The automated uploading of data files to CBS facilitates safe and efficient data collection and replaces the use of surveys, reducing the administrative burden on companies.

Secure and controlled data sharing

Portbase is an important intermediary source in the supply chains, contributing to the safe, efficient and reliable exchange of logistics data and the compilation of national and international statistics. CBS can collect from Portbase the data that terminals already supply the latter with, so putting into practice the principle of lean operation: one-time data acquisition for multiple use. This likewise generates significant efficiency gains for companies and public authorities in the logistics chain.

 iSHARE – authorisation is important

iSHARE plays an important role in safe and controlled data sharing throughout the chain.  The terminal, shipper, carrier or forwarder give explicit permission for the transfer of data in an authorisation register, and only then may data actually be transferred. These iSHARE permissions ensure that the data sharing process proceeds smoothly and in a controlled manner for all parties involved. The Portbase authorisation register complies with the iSHARE standards. In the interests of all stakeholders, CBS, Rijkswaterstaat and Portbase are striving to achieve an effective application of the iSHARE system.

Pilot renewed service Cargo Notification Export to commence in June

As part of the restructuring of our export services, we are developing an updated version of our service Cargo Declaration Export. This will make the submission of outgoing manifests to Customs even easier. The realization of this Cargo Notification Export 2.0 has now progressed to such an extent that we will launch a pilot in June 2021. In close cooperation with various customers, we will test how the service functions in practice. The market launch has been scheduled for the fourth quarter. From then on, everyone in our community will be able to start using the updated Cargo Notification Export.

Increased user-friendliness and practical improvements

Cargo Notification Export 2.0 operates on a new platform. As a result, the service is fully ready for the future. Ease of use is paramount in the renewed service. Based on the feedback from various customer sessions, the operation has been further simplified and the service has been more optimally geared to the daily practice of the participants. Outgoing customs manifests can be checked and submitted more quickly. Furthermore, a number of practical improvements will be implemented:

  • More containers visible on one page (500 instead of 25)
  • Improved visibility of containers that require attention
  • Easier linking of documents
  • Improved linking of transhipments

Indispensable input from the community

Portbase would like to thank all customers who have been providing their valuable input for the overhaul of the export services – and specifically the renewed Cargo Notification Export – since 2019; first in project groups, then in customer sessions and soon in the pilot. This involvement from our community is indispensable for an optimal service provision by Portbase.

More information

Would you like to know more about the renewed Cargo Notification Export? Our Sales Manager Michiel de Ruiter will be glad to assist you. You can reach him on +31 (0)88 625 25 33 or at m.de.ruiter@portbase.com.

Mandatory prenotification of all truck visits to RST via Portbase

From 25 May 2021, Rotterdam Short Sea Terminals (RST) is making the prenotification of truck visits via Portbase mandatory. Only drivers who have been properly prenotified via the service Hinterland Container Notification (HCN Road) (i.e. all indicators on green including customs documents) will be granted access to the terminal. Terminal visits to RST are over twenty minutes faster on average when the truck visit has been correctly prenotified.

From the third quarter of this year, RST will also be introducing the use of TAR codes (Truck Appointment References) via HCN Road. A properly prenotified driver with a TAR code will then no longer need to leave his cabin on arrival at the terminal. This will further reduce the turnaround time of his visit. You can read the message from RST here.

More information

Check out our website or Portbase Support for instructional videos, manuals and the answers to frequently asked questions. Or contact our Sales department via 088 625 2534 or sales@portbase.com.

Campagne Design

a:7:{s:8:”location”;a:2:{i:0;a:1:{i:0;a:3:{s:5:”param”;s:9:”post_type”;s:8:”operator”;s:2:”==”;s:5:”value”;s:4:”post”;}}i:1;a:1:{i:0;a:3:{s:5:”param”;s:9:”post_type”;s:8:”operator”;s:2:”==”;s:5:”value”;s:4:”page”;}}}s:8:”position”;s:6:”normal”;s:5:”style”;s:7:”default”;s:15:”label_placement”;s:3:”top”;s:21:”instruction_placement”;s:5:”label”;s:14:”hide_on_screen”;s:0:””;s:11:”description”;s:0:””;}

Inspections also visible in the updated service Cargo Declaration Import

Inspections are now also displayed within the updated service Cargo Declaration Import. They are only visible if you are using the Portbase service Inspection Portal.

With this addition to the service, you have a complete picture of all scanning and physical inspections of import cargo carried out under the direction of customs in the Dutch ports. That way, you always have a real-time overview and you know when the cargo is available for further handling. The cost of using the service Cargo Declaration Import remains unchanged.

Further information
Visit our support page for instructions and frequently asked questions. Do you have any further questions and/or suggestions for further improvements? Please contact our service desk on +31(0)88 625 2525 or servicedesk@portbase.com.