DMS migration check-in: Updates and tips
NL system change

DMS migration check-in: Updates and tips

The migration from AGS to DMS, the new customs IT-system in the Netherlands, is in full swing. We summarized a recent update webinar by Dutch Customs for you.

Author: Michiel Sengers
Michiel Sengers
17.05.2023

Progress and planning: where the migration stands now
The biggest changes between AGS and DMS
5 tips to ensure a successful migration to DMS
Keep your goods moving after the introduction of DMS

Progress and planning: where the migration stands now

‘DMS Storage’ (Opslag), part of the first phase of the migration, was successfully completed earlier this year. The pilot for 'DMS Import' (Invoer) is ongoing. It's first declarant successfully migrated in March. The migration to 'DMS Export' (Uitvoer) starts in May. 

The original deadline for 'DMS Import' was December 31, 2022, but this was extended to December 31, 2023 with the permission of the European Commission. Dutch customs authorities applied for a derogation because of the complexity of the IT system changes and the intensive collaboration with the business community in the Netherlands. 

For the normal declaration procedure in 'DMS Opslag' (Storage), 'Invoer' (Import) and 'Uitvoer' (Export), the Dutch Customs authorities require declarants to complete the migration by September 30, 2023.

Dutch Customs states that this deadline is feasible if all parties are well prepared. Software suppliers and declarants emphasize the importance of the timely availability of test facilities to be able to migrate in time.

Watch the original DMS webinar by NL Customs

Would you like to view the full 2 hour webinar (in Dutch) by the Dutch Customs authorities? Click on the link below to get all details and listen to the live discussions with various external parties involved in the migration.

Go to webinar recording

The biggest changes between AGS and DMS

  • DMS will check more strictly whether the declaration has been completed correctly. This is done through specific business rules wich will ensure that the declaration is complete and accurate. An example of such an error is forgetting to enter the DPO authorization number.

  • If a declaration contains errors, Dutch Customs will no longer correct the declaration. Instead, the declaration will be returned with a message about the error and declarants must adjust the declaration themselves. After acceptance of the declaration, a further selection and check will follow, during which the result will be communicated to the declarant. The declarant will also have to respond to this. This once again emphasizes the importance of completing the declaration correctly: the risk of exports coming to a standstill. To prevent delays in the processing of the declaration and extra work for the declarant to correct any errors, it is of utmost importance to correctly complete a declaration in DMS.

  • Periods and commas that were previously allowed in certain fields are no longer possible. Each field is coded with specific rules, such as the number of characters, the type (alpha or numeric), and so on. This means that all input must be in accordance with this code, otherwise the declaration will not be accepted.

AGS will remain available until December 1. It acts as a backup when DMS is not working and for declarations that have yet to be processed. AGS will not be disabled from December 1.

5 tips to ensure a successful migration to DMS

  1. Make sure the right people are involved in the migration to DMS, such as those who can impact your business processes and employees who need to implement changes in your IT--systems.

  2. Know which data fields will be required. Ensure that you receive the required data from your customers and that this data is delivered in your software.

  3. Make sure you have enough staff available during the migration: in the first days after you have migrated, many declarations will probably still be rejected.

  4. Make sure that your declarants are well informed of all changes. Both the content and structure of the declaration as well as the workflow within the existing customs software will change. In addition to different declaration structure and codes, other data elements will also be required. Customs software will process the new declaration requirements correctly in the declarations by customs software, but they will also bring about changes in existing workflows. Declarants can prepare themselves by familiarizing themselves with migration documentation, making use of software migration manuals and utilizing a software test environment. This is also very important for SaaS solution users. It is critical that these users are well informed about the changes in the new user environment to prevent any surprises after migration.

  5. Let your customers know in timely manner that shipments and/or declarations may be delayed during your migration period.

Keep your goods moving after the introduction of DMS

With smart automation and digitization of the new DMS declaration process, delays in goods shipments can be prevented. AEB's Customs Management offers you that intelligent, DMS-ready solution. Would you like to
know more about our cloud software for customs management? Visit our Import Filing: DMSor Export Filing: DMSproduct page for more information and request an online demo right away.

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