News

CUSTOMS

• Customs scaling up activities step by step
  After the outbreak of the coronavirus in March, Customs scaled down its activities. This was based on government measures and the risks to employees' health. The current government measures and the slowdown in the outbreak make it possible to gradually extend the enforcement activities. We are doing this in a safe and responsible way.
• The prohibition on the export of personal protection equipment is lifted from 26 May 2020 onwards
  From 26 May 2020, an export authorisation is no longer needed for certain items of personal protection equipment.
• Corona crisis - the extension of the time limit to reimport cultural goods
  Did you export cultural goods with an authorisation? Further to the corona crisis, it is not always possible that the goods return in time. The date specified in the authorisation cannot be met due to the amended rules and regulations for air cargo and freight traffic. You may apply for an extension of the authorisation […]
• Personal protection equipment: import duty relief (update)
  The corona virus is a huge challenge for citizens and businesses. We notice that many wish to contribute to combating the virus, such as donating personal protective equipment (PPE) to care institutions. It is really needed as there is a substantial shortage.
• The corona crisis is affecting Customs
  The outbreak of the coronavirus has a large impact on all of us. The same applies to the work of Customs.
• Corona crisis: temporary measure for certificates of origin
  Due to the corona crisis problems may arise regarding the submission of certificates of origin. In normal circumstances an original copy of these certificates is required upon import. On the proposal of the European Commission, the certificates can now be temporarily submitted digitally. Paper copies are also allowed.
• Corona crisis: set of measures for entrepreneurs
  Due to the corona crisis, many entrepreneurs may temporarily not be able to comply with their payment obligations pursuant to the customs regulations and it may not be possible to observe all the deadlines and customs formalities. Customs will support entrepreneurs who get into problems for this reason by providing a set of measures.
• Export authorisation application form personal protective equipment available
  On 23 March we announced that export of personal protective equipment is only possible with an export authorisation. The application form for this authorisation can be found on the Customs website.
• Export declaration: an exporter is not required to be based in the European Union
  Earlier, we informed you that from April onwards, only an exporter established in the European Union could be entered in box 2 of the export declaration. However, due to the corona crisis, it continues to be authorised to enter an exporter not based in the European Union, also after April 1, 2020.
• Ban on the export of personal protective equipment
  The export of personal protective equipment is prohibited for the time being. EU Regulation 2020/402 was published on 15 March. This Regulation 'making the export of certain products subject to the production of an export authorisation' is effective immediately.