Be aware of the CVB

Stricter requirements by Dutch Customs for all maritime import cargo from outside the EU

The procedure for the submission of subsequent declarations for goods from outside the European Union (EU) has been changed in the Netherlands. From the 4th of October 2021 Dutch Customs introduced the CVB. CVB is the Dutch abbreviation for Container Release Message. Please note though! Declarants in all port sectors must take this into account. Contrary to its name, the CVB equally applies to containers, trailers, general cargo and bulk cargo.

This English-language website explains how as a foreign shipper, you (or the forwarder or carrier acting on your behalf) can ensure that your cargo always enters the EU quickly and efficiently through the Dutch ports, also with the CVB. The first step is to always to provide your local Dutch customs agent with the correct information in a timely manner. If they next use an advance declaration + (automated) presentation notification, this can further speed up the customs handling considerably. Prevent delays and make sure your declaration is done in the right way!

What does the Dutch Customs agent require from you?

In order to quickly and correctly submit subsequent declarations, your Dutch customs agent will require the correct shipment number as well as the weight of the load and the number of packaging units. Without this information, the Dutch customs agent will not be able to make a correct subsequent declaration and the cargo will come to a standstill at the terminal!

Main points of the CVB

New agreements for the existing Dutch import process:

Correct match

The CVB matches subsequent declarations with the Declaration for Temporary Storage (Aangifte voor Tijdelijke Opslag or ATO in Dutch)

On time

The CVB requires that a subsequent declaration be submitted after the ship’s ATA

Correct data

The B/L in the Declaration for Temporary Storage and in the subsequent declaration must be identical. The weight in the subsequent declaration may not exceed the weight in the B/L

Condition for Carriage

No permission to depart the terminal without the CVB

Working ahead is key

An advance declaration + (automated) presentation notification speed up logistics

Multiple solutions

A suitable CVB approach for every situation

What is the CVB?

Customs uses the CVB to match the subsequent declaration of a customs agent or importer who wants to collect cargo in the port (or have it collected) with the Declaration for Temporary Storage (ATO) of a shipping line/cargo handling agent. Now that the CVB is implemented in practice, this subsequent declaration can only be made after the arrival of the ship (ATA) in the Dutch port. Submitting prior to this or submitting data (B/L, weight) that deviates from the Declaration for Temporary Storage will result in the subsequent declaration being rejected. Customs will not grant permission for the cargo to exit the terminal.

Why the CVB?

Customs was used to settle differences between the Declarations for Temporary Storage and subsequent declarations afterwards. This is no longer permitted under European rules. Furthermore, there are many mismatches. The B/L data and weight listed in both declarations often do not match. The result: a lot of checking afterwards, unnecessary corrections for various links in the logistics chain and the risk of incurring hefty fines. The CVB prevents this.

The CVB is also an opportunity

The CVB can be arranged in various ways. One option is for your customs agent to wait with submitting the subsequent declaration until the arrival of the ship. Much faster and more efficient is an advance declaration, supplemented with an (automated) presentation notification. In this way, it is even possible to accelerate your logistics chain.

Widely supported initiative

Dutch industry associations and interest groups, Portbase and Customs have joined forces to ensure a smooth introduction of the CVB. By informing and stimulating parties to properly prepare, all cargo flows can consistently be transported to the hinterland quickly. The CVB offers new opportunities for all links to operate more efficiently. At the same time, the Netherlands is strengthening its leading position as the European logistics hub in this way.