Transition to Temporary Storage Declaration (TSD) in Belgium

Update #1 - Update on Transition to Temporary Storage Declaration (TSD) in Belgium

Following up on our previous advisory regarding the upcoming change in the import manifest process in Belgium ports, we would like to provide an important update with regards to the intended go-live of the Inbound Release platform (IRP).

The exact go-live date is still to be confirmed per terminal, however, we highly recommend customers make the necessary preparations already. Maersk will gradually move from a CUSCAR based manifest into TSD Submission via the IRP platform. We intend to make this transition on vessel basis in the coming weeks.

You will be able to follow-up whether a vessel has been submitted via CUSCAR or TSD via our website. For vessels submitted via TSD we will only publish the Reference Key, and this reference key allows you to find the cargo manifest data in IRP.

To get access to the data in IRP, we recommend all declarants and logistics providers to take following steps to receive the cargo manifest details timely:

1. An agreement with NxtPort for the use of the IRP and technical setup of the Import Consignment API
2. An agreement and technical setup with your software supplier for the use of IRP data, if desired
3. A handshake agreement with Maersk – please reach out to BELCSMAN@maersk.com to get the agreement in place.

For more information on the Inbound release platform, you can consult their website here. Should you have any questions, or require further assistance, please reach out to your local Maersk representative. Our teams remain at your disposal and look forward to continuing to support your logistics needs.

As your integrated logistics provider, A. P. Moller – Maersk would like to inform you of the change in customs release process for all containers arriving in Belgium. The change means a transition from the current Import Manifest (CUSCAR) to the Temporary Storage Declaration (TSD) in line with the latest Belgian Customs regulations. To support this transition, we will be using the Inbound Release Platform (IRP) to manage our customs declaration process with the PN/TS system at Belgian Customs.

The Inbound Release Platform (IRP) is a digital solution designed to streamline communication between supply chain stakeholders and Belgian Customs. The platform centralises all legally required data for goods entering the EU and simplifies the complex declaration and control processes at ports. For you, this means enhanced transparency and reliability of information flows, and less manual work and consequent errors. For details on how the process will work and what is expected of you, please see below:

• Maersk will submit the TSD on container level before vessel unloading.
• Terminal Operators will send the terminal discharge (TD) to IRP.
• Declarants & Logistics Providers use IRP to submit Customs declarations securely and efficiently.
• All parties benefit from automated data flows and improved accuracy.

What will change for you?
Maersk will submit TSD on pre-lodged basis, creating a CRN and once the TSD is activated a MRN. To ensure smooth operations and access to the most up-to-date data, we strongly recommend using the IRP web interface or the Import Consignment API to receive the required data for your customs declaration. These tools serve as a single source of truth in the new, more complex declaration process, helping you retrieve the necessary data faster and more reliably. We therefore encourage all declarants and logistics providers to familiarize themselves with the IRP platform: Brochure IRP

While the exact go-live date is still to be confirmed, our teams are making the necessary preparations for the transition and encourage customers to join us in this process as early adoption and preparation will ensure a smooth transition.

Should you have any questions, or require further assistance, please reach out to your local Maersk representative or to BELCSMAN@maersk.com. Our teams remain at your disposal and look forward to continuing to support your logistics needs.