The main changes were explained by Customs and Portbase in an information session. You can rewatch it here:
Please note: the old deadline is discussed during this session; the correct deadline is 16 November 2026.
Below is an answer to the questions asked during this session.
What should I do if I experience a disruption?
Disruptions in the Customs process are reported by the Nationale Helpdesk Douane and EU portals | Nationale Helpdesk Douane (NHD). Subscribe to disruption and maintenance messages so you are immediately informed. When contacting Customs, an MRN or LRN number will be requested; you can find this in the service.
Portbase actively monitors for disruptions or delays. As soon as we detect these, we report this in the web screens of the service Cargo Declaration Import. At the same time, together with Customs, we immediately investigate the cause.
We report disruptions within the Portbase environment on status.portbase.com. We recommend subscribing to the notifications as well.
What should I do if the ENS is not submitted via Portbase?
Which additional data must be included in the IFTMCS file?
An overview of this data can be found on the Support page. View here the full IFTMCS specifications of the TSD (version 5.8.9).
How does the pilot phase process work for us?
For parties that do not submit the ENS via Portbase, the pilot works exactly the same. The only difference is that these parties must process the received ENS MRN in the TSD.
Authorisation to operate a regular shipping service (RSS)
Does a declarant also need to submit an ATO for Union goods?
Yes, when goods are brought in by sea, an ATO must be submitted to place the goods in temporarily storage. This also applies to Union goods.
Companies that hold an ‘Authorisation to operate a regular shipping service (RSS)’ are exempt from the obligation to submit an ATO for Union goods.
Do you use Cargo Declaration Import via Portbase to submit the ATO? Then nothing changes in the current way of working.
For the benefit of the overall Port Community System (PCS), it is crucial that the ATO data is still submitted. This is necessary for other PCS services that support automated port processes. This prevents delays in logistics handling. Portbase no longer converts the received data into an ATO for submission to Customs.
How do we indicate in Portbase that the ATO falls under an RSS authorisation?
- Web screens: at the start of the filing, select ‘NONE’
- IFTMCS: Qualifier ACD / FTX+ACD+NONE
- API: Portbase Port Visit API
The HS Code is not mandatory for Union goods arriving via an RSS. How should this be handled in the IFTMCS?
In this case, the HS code does not need to be included.
Can I specify multiple discharge terminals under one B/L?
Unfortunately, this is not possible in our service Cargo Declaration Import. The B/L will need to be split into one terminal per B/L.
Other Customs questions
The answers to Customs-specific questions can be found on the website of the Dutch Customs Administration.
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