New customs declaration process launched in Belgium

(Posted on 07/05/25)

Inbound Release Platform (IRP) has been operating since 1 April 2025. This innovative solution, which was developed by Port of Antwerp-Bruges and its subsidiary NxtPort in collaboration with The Way Forward and Belgian Customs, is helping the port community implement the new European customs legislation for inbound cargo flows. Thanks to IRP, the digital processing of import, transhipment and transit in all Belgian seaports is becoming faster, safer and more transparent.

To comply with European requirements, Belgian Customs must fully transition to the new PN/TS system for the digital registration and control of goods entering the European Union. This will be accompanied by some major changes for the logistics sector: processes are about to become more complex and will require a variety of data to be shared in an accurate and timely way.

At the request of the port community, NxtPort therefore developed IRP – a smart link between the customs authorities and shipping agents, terminal operators, customs agents and logistics service providers. Using the platform, relevant data can be delivered and accessed centrally, while paying maximum attention to data security.

IRP is available in all Belgian seaports and supports the importation, transhipment and transit of all cargo flows (breakbulk, bulk, containers, ferry and RoRo). The platform increases data transparency, simplifies compliance with the customs legislation and speeds up logistics processes. For example, shipping agents will share their cargo lists automatically from now on; terminal operators will optimise their cargo handling. Customs agents and logistics service providers can also obtain a clearer view of the status of their shipments more rapidly using the Import Consignment API. IRP provides companies with a full-service solution by connecting all of the links to each other.

Geert Maes, Transition Manager, NxtPort: “Since IRP was launched on 1 April, the roll-out has been taking place as part of a controlled and phased process, in close cooperation with several early movers in Zeebrugge, Antwerpen and Gent (MSC Belgium, Grimaldi Belgium, CSP Zeebrugge Terminal, Antwerp Euroterminal, Stukwerkers and De Baerdemaecker. Through incremental testing involving increasing volumes and complexity, the processes are being carefully validated and, where necessary, refined in the production environment. This pragmatic approach also gives Customs the necessary space to get used to the system and will prevent disruptions in the flow of goods. Today, almost 100% of the shipping agents and terminal operators in Belgium are involved and the commitment that exists on the logistics side is also growing: 60 to 70 customs agents and logistics service providers have already begun the onboarding process of their own accord.”

Shipping agents and terminal operators are advised to prepare for the implementation of IRP in a timely manner, in line with the phased timetable. Customs agents and logistics providers are encouraged to find out all they need to know about these important operational changes. For them, IRP offers a powerful solution by means of the Import Consignment API. They can sign up at https://www.inboundrelease.com/en/request-contract-proposal-inbound-release-platform in order to ensure that they comply with the new regulations by 31 December 2025. Once registered, they will receive personal guidance from a NxtPort expert. Software providers are also urged to provide the necessary integrations between IRP and their customs software for electronic declarations so that their customers can use the platform smoothly.