DUTCH CUSTOMS’ REQUIREMENT FOR CARGO DESCRIPTIONS TO CONFORM TO GUIDELINES OF ACCEPTABLE TERMS 
Dear Valued Customer,
From 1 July 2009, the Dutch Customs will require that the cargo description stated in the summary declarations for temporary storage and arrival manifests conform to its guidelines on acceptable and non-acceptable terms for the description of goods for exit and entry summary declarations. Failure to do so results in the physical inspection of the cargo and thus possible delays to the shipment.  

A copy of the guidelines can be retrieved from the European Commission’s website: http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/resources/documents/customs/policy_issues/
customs_security/acceptable_goods_description_guidelines_en.pdf  

As the cargo description used for submissions to the Dutch Customs is taken from the Bill of Lading, shippers are strongly encouraged to refer to guidelines when providing description details.  

From 31 December 2010, this guideline will come into effect across all territories under the European Union when it starts the mandatory electronic submission of entry summary declarations (ENS) and exit summary declarations (EXS) and we anticipate other European Customs Authorities will require this requirement to be followed prior to the formal introduction in 2010.  

In the meantime, please don’t hesitate to contact your local customer service or APL representative, if you require further assistance or clarification.  

Yours sincerely,
Sales Support Representative