In the light of the boom in e-commerce, customs authorities and cargo shippers are now looking at ways to facilitate processing higher volumes of shipments, without compromising reliability. At Amsterdam airport, VENUE-authorised shippers can now submit a simplified pre-declaration allowing their packages to clear customs without extensive delays or inspection.
Time-consuming specifics, such as the Harmonised System code, are no more – as long the goods inside the package are valued at €22 or less. Supplementary declarations are also neatly sidestepped with the new rules in place, which extend through the Union Customs Code transition period, ending in January 2021. VENUE declaration will be available until Q3 2019.
The new programme applicable to e-commerce purchases is in response to a 15% rise in e-commerce volumes, according to Dutch Customs. For the shipper, bypassing HS codes offers to minimise costs for all involved, while maintaining efficient and reliable Customs clearance processes.
