In 2023, XTRAS forward thinking faced major challenges, made significant progress and experienced a multifaceted development. We achieved an outstanding position in the logistics IT sector with our all-in-one freight forwarding software Xfreight. By integrating artificial intelligence, we automated various tasks in document management and email communication, thus enabling the digital coordination of a delivery order within the supply chain. Our success in 2023 reflects not only our technological innovation, but also our commitment to the digital transformation of the logistics industry.
To ensure smooth and efficient transport processing for our customers, we enable direct communication with the German (ATLAS/ AES) and Dutch (DMS) customs authorities via our certified customs software Xcust. These systems had to be adapted to the new versions in the course of 2023. In the Netherlands, the new customs system DMS (Douane Aangifte Management System) was introduced, replacing the previous AGS (Aangiftesysteem). Xcust has been adapted accordingly to ensure seamless integration and compliance with the new regulations. Significant updates were also made to the German customs system ATLAS. In December 2023, we successfully provided our customers with the necessary adaptations for AES Export 3.0 and ATLAS 9.1. Details can be found in the following sections.
1. Migration from AGS to DMS at the Dutch customs authority
This change required the implementation of technological processes capable of dealing with the new highly automated real-time messages. Since 2023, companies wishing to export from the Netherlands have been obliged to submit an electronic customs declaration to the DMS customs system. Thanks to our certified customs software Xcust, this process runs smoothly. With the current version of Xcust, we enable efficient and direct processing of customs formalities and ensure a noticeable improvement and effectiveness in export processing.
2. ATLAS 9.1 and AES 3.0
In 2023, the Directorate General of Customs published ATLAS Release 9.1, which contains numerous functional and technical changes in almost all procedural areas. However, the most important updates related to Export AES and the Transit System NCTS (New Computerized Transit System). The transition phase to ATLAS Export 3.0 in Germany ended on November 30, 2023. With this release, the exchange with the customs authorities is carried out exclusively via the XML format with UTF-8 and UTF-16 encoding. The ASCII character sets are only permitted in certain fields. It is no longer possible to use the EDIFACT format. We have implemented the technical requirements and adapted the interfaces integrated in Xcust accordingly.
Last year, we also dealt with the adaptation of messages to the Union Customs Code in the area of shipping. The planned upgrade from version NCTS4 to NCTS5 brought with it a number of challenges, which our strong team overcame in good time.
