Those who think customs can be handled simply by submitting papers at a window and collecting a few stamps need to understand that this era is over. Customs procedures must now be conducted through electronic data exchange under the Union Customs Code and its implementing regulations.
When communicating with clients about the progress of a customs procedure, we often have to refer to one of the IT systems, which can be hard for both sides to understand precisely. This becomes particularly important when one of the systems experiences downtime or an update, causing delays in clearance.
NCTS system
Transit procedures run from the customs office of entry into the EU to the customs office of destination. Shipments either reach the consignee for clearance there, or are cleared at a customs yard or terminal. The system signals electronically that the shipment has departed from the customs office of departure and arrived at its destination within the prescribed time. The document printed from the system is the T1 or T2 transit accompanying document. Currently operating in NCTS6.
AIS (e-CUSTOMS) system
An electronic message-exchange system that processes declarations submitted in the form of customs declarations for inbound shipments, providing communication between the customs representative and the authority. During the procedure, a decision is issued from the system (only if customs debt is payable), and the procedure closes with authorisation from the customs office, from which a release document can be downloaded.
AES system
A system that processes declarations submitted for outbound export shipments. Communication also works through electronic data exchange between the customs representative and the authority. The procedure closes when the goods exit at the EU customs border, after which an electronic exit certificate can be downloaded from the system.
ÁRUREG system
A customs IT system that records logistical operations related to goods presented to customs. It allows shipments to be split into multiple units or multiple shipments to be consolidated.