Netherlands Customs Clearance: Switching from AGS to DMS

Big changes are coming to customs processing and customs clearance in the Netherlands.

All existing systems and databases for customs processing are being replaced by one new digital system called Douaneaangiften Management Systeem (DMS).

The systems being replaced include Aangiftesysteem (AGS) as well as Geautomatiseerde Periodieke Aangifte/Schriftelijke Periodieke Aangifte (G(S)PA) and VENUE, the simplified declaration system for e-commerce companies.

The rollout of DMS has been delayed several times. As of this writing, the previous deadline of June 2023 has been cancelled, and no new official deadline has been announced.

When the transition is complete, all traders who submit customs declarations in the Netherlands must submit them via DMS. Because of the prolonged rollout, some companies have already transitioned to DMS.

Why is this change happening, and what does it mean for companies importing into or exporting from the Netherlands?

Complying with the Union Customs Code (UCC)

Let’s start with why this change is happening.

The Union Customs Code (UCC) legislation, which updated customs requirements across the EU, came into force in 2016. Its primary goals are to digitise customs declarations and improve harmony in trading between EU member states. Since then, it’s been implemented through secondary legislation known as Delegated and Implementing Acts.

The Netherlands is transitioning to DMS to comply with the UCC, specifically Annex B, which states that all companies must only file returns digitally.

Compliance is not the only reason for switching to DMS. The existing systems for customs declarations are outdated and highly manual. There is a hope that DMS will smooth out the process, provide greater visibility, and improve security for all parties.

What's changing?

• DMS 4.0 is for companies who previously used the normal declaration procedure in AGS
• DMS 4.1 is for companies who previously used G(S)PA

Mitigating risk during the transition to DMS in the Netherlands

What will it take for businesses trading in the Netherlands to transition to DMS, and how can they mitigate risk during this process?

Making the switch to DMS requires updating your customs processing software and learning about the relevant rule and process changes. Customs brokerage software vendors should already have prepared to switch to DMS, but internal operations and training are up to the individual declarants.

There are several risks associated with this transition. Customs processing agents will need to learn how to work with the new database, and human error rates will likely be higher than normal as they adjust. In addition, new processes must be created for applying post-inspection corrections. Finally, there is a chance that bugs or errors with the database may present themselves after launch.

Human error, new processes, and software bugs can cause slowdowns and lead to capacity challenges.

To mitigate these risks, it’s important to be proactive. We recommend taking the following steps:

• If you haven’t already done so, contact your customs processing software provider and ask how they’re planning to support you and address potential issues during the transition process. 
• Assess your team and determine whether you need to hire additional team members. Are you already operating at capacity before the transition? If so, you may need extra help to work through the transition period. 
• Start training your team ahead of time to give your customs processing agents as much runway as possible to learn new rules and processes before making the switch.
• Consider outsourcing your international shipping declaration burden to a knowledgeable third-party provider like The DDC Group.

As of this writing, there’s still time to prepare for the transition to DMS. Get started as soon as possible to avoid future headaches.

Questions about how the transition to DMS could impact your business? Contact the customs brokerage processing experts at The DDC Group.