New ATLAS customs procedure for transshipments and more

For many of the shipments entering the EU from a third country, the Port of Hamburg is only a transshipment hub. New customs regulations have been introduced for these "shipments in transit." In Germany, the re-export control system WKS (a shortened form of “Wiederausfuhrkontrollsystem”) is being introduced as a new ATLAS technical application. It replaces the previously-used ATLAS EAS procedure system.

WKS is already being implemented as part of the current 10.1 ATLAS software release. "For those working with the procedure, such as carriers, freight forwarders and terminals, now is the right time to prepare for the new processes," says Kai Stanislaus from DAKOSY, referring to a statement from customs. This informs users by no later than the fourth quarter of 2024, only the WKS procedure will be used for exit summary declarations (ASumA). From that point onwards, customs asserts that incoming ASumA messages in the EAS procedure will no longer be processed.

This primarily affects two processes. Firstly, the new procedure is relevant for transshipments (handling and onward transportation of goods that arrive at the port by ocean-going vessel and also depart again by ocean-going vessel). Secondly, it applies to goods from non-EU countries, such as Switzerland, that are shipped via the EU to third countries (usually overseas).

In Germany, the changes in customs procedures are particularly important for the Port of Hamburg. The sea port is of key importance as a transshipment hub for the countries on the Baltic Sea. Every year, the port of Hamburg handles 2.6 million TEU of transshipment traffic at its terminals. The significance for DAKOSY is also reflected in the EMP/ZAPP platform it operates. "Over a quarter of ZAPP declarations are affected by the switch to the new WKS customs procedure," says Stanislaus. Some background on the EMP/Zapp platform: it is linked to the central German customs system ATLAS in such a way that export processing meets all the requirements of customs authorities as well as the specific criteria of the sea port.

What will change and why?

Previously, the entry summary declarations (ESumA) and exit summary declarations (ASumA) were grouped together in the EAS customs procedure system. Of these two declarations, only the ASumA will be transferred to the new ATLAS WKS procedure. In future, the Import Control System (ICS2) operated by the EU will act as the electronic gateway for the ESumA. This serves to increase safety and security and was introduced as a result of the 9/11 terrorist attacks for the declaration of goods before their entry into the EU.

Timetable for participants

DAKOSY will announce the interface changes for participants in May 2024.  From this time onwards, logistics operators and their service providers will be able to make the necessary adaptations in their own systems. This is also important for all carriers, terminals and freight forwarders who do not work with DAKOSY or CargoSoft solutions. The new process should be implemented in the EMP/ZAPP environment by the middle of the third quarter. DAKOSY will then be ready for customers to start testing.