Start with Notification Import Documentation

In the video below, we guide you step by step through the service Notification Import Documentation. Below the video, we have written out the key steps for reference. 

Also available in Dutch and German. 

Entering a notification in Notification Import Documentation

Follow these steps:

  1. Click the blue New notification button.

    Create new import documentation notification from the main screen.
  2. Select the terminal. You will immediately see whether the terminal wants to receive the container and/or consignment numbers.

    Entry screen of NID notification.
  3. Complete the required entry fields:
    1. Document type (mandatory)
    2. Document number (mandatory. For example, the MRN number of the declaration)
    3. Modality (optional. This indicates via which modality the goods will be collected.)
    4. Consignment number or equipment number (mandatory. At a container terminal, enter one or more equipment number) For a ferry operator, enter the consignment number.
  4. Select Send to send the notification to the terminal.

You will now see the notification in the overview.

A NID notification cannot be created twice. The same document number can only be used if the status of the document is rejected, withdrawn or older than 21 days.

The status of the NID notification

When you click on a notification, you will see the detailed information for your document pre-notification on the right. In the notification timeline you can see the progress of the notification, with the most recent status at the top of the timeline. Meaning of the statuses: 

  • New: your NID notification has been created
  • Sent: your NID notification has been sent to the terminal
  • Approved*: your NID notification has been accepted by the terminal
  • Rejected *: your NID notification has been rejected by the terminal. 
    A terminal may reject a notification if it cannot be processed by the terminal, for example because the document number does not match the selected document type. In that case, review the NID notification. 

* Not all terminals send an acceptance message. Check this overview to see which terminals send an acceptance message (also known as a ‘NID return message’). 

A pre-notified document is no longer valid

A correctly pre-notified import document may later be declared invalid by the terminal for several reasons. In the current solution, no update about this is received from the terminals.

Common reasons why a valid, correctly pre-notified import document may become invalid are:

  • The container remains at the terminal for too long after discharge. Terminals generally use an average of 21 days for this. After 21 days, the import document is deleted from the terminal’s customs administration without notice.
  • The selected import procedure (document type) may have a specifically limited validity period. After that period expires, the import document is deleted from the terminal’s customs administration without notice. 

Has your document been declared invalid and deleted? After 21 days, the import document can be automatically pre-notified again.

Searching for a notification or downloading notifications

In the overview screen, you can easily search for a previous import documentation notification or download an overview of notifications. 

Searching notifications

  • Using the Search bar, you can search for a document number, container number or consignment number. It is not necessary to enter the full number. You can also enter only the beginning of the relevant number.
  • Below the search bar, you can also filter by document type, terminal, date range and status of the pre-notification. You can also combine these filters (also with your search query).
  • You delete filters by deselecting them.
  • You can delete a search query by clicking the cross.

Downloading the notification overview

  • Via the Download button, you can download an overview of all your document pre-notifications.
  • The download functionality generates a CSV file with a complete overview.
  • You can also first apply optional filters such as date or terminal. These filters also apply to the downloaded overview.

Withdrawing a pre-notified document

If you have accidentally pre-notified an incorrect document, you can submit a withdrawal request under certain conditions via the service Notification Import Documentation. Read the article Request to withdraw import document in Notification Import Documentation to see how this works. 

Unable to choose or select a terminal?

Read the steps to resolve this issue in the article I cannot select a terminal in Notification Import Documentation. 

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