ATLAS - key terms, updates 2024, Xcust.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the ATLAS system, which plays a central role in customs processing in Germany. It explains key terms, the system’s functionality, the latest updates for 2024, and the benefits of the Xcust customs software, which integrates seamlessly with ATLAS. CONTENTS DEFINITION: WHAT IS ATLAS? KEY TERMS RELATED TO ATLAS UPDATES AND NEW DEVELOPMENTS FOR 2024XCUST: DIE IDEAL COMPLEMENT FOR THE ATLAS-SYSTEM COMPREHENSIVE SOLUTIONS FOR DIE CUSTOMS PROCESSING
Definition: What is ATLAS?
ATLAS (Automated Tariff and Local Customs Processing System) is an electronic system for handling customs formalities in Germany. It automates and simplifies processes such as import, export, and transit, reducing administrative workload and the risk of errors. Companies can use ATLAS to quickly respond to changes in customs regulations and ensure that their customs formalities comply with legal requirements.
Key Terms Related to ATLAS
- EAS (Entry/Exit Summary Declaration): The term covers the summary declaration of goods entering or leaving the EU. This includes various message groups, such as ENI (Entry Summary Declaration) and EXS (Exit Summary Declaration). These declarations are essential to determine the customs status of the goods and also to ensure that all relevant security and customs regulations are complied with. With the EAS, potential risks can be identified at an early stage and appropriate measures can be taken.
- NCTS (New Computerized Transit System): NCTS describes a system for monitoring the transportation of goods through the EU without them having to be checked at the borders. Relevant message groups for this are DEP (Departure), DES (Destination), GUA (Guarantee) and TRQ (Transit Queries). NCTS significantly facilitates the cross-border movement of goods and reduces waiting times at borders, resulting in faster and more efficient logistics. By enabling end-to-end monitoring of goods movements, the system also contributes to fraud prevention.
- RDT (Remote Data Transmission): RDT refers to the electronic transmission of data between different devices or systems via a communication link. In the context of ATLAS, RDT is used to transfer customs declarations and other relevant data securely and efficiently.
- EDIFACT (Electronic Data Interchange for Administration, Commerce and Transport): EDIFACT is an international standard for the electronic exchange of business and administrative documents. EDIFACT is frequently used in the customs sector to ensure standardized message formats for data exchange.
- EXP (Export – Transfer, Clearance): This term refers to the transfer of goods to the export procedure and their clearance. This includes all necessary steps for the legally compliant export of goods from the EU.
- EXT (Export Monitoring): EXT refers to the monitoring of export transactions by the customs authorities. This ensures that all regulations and provisions are properly complied with.
- EXQ (Export Status Information): EXQ is used to query the current status of an export declaration. Companies can monitor the progress of their export processes in real time to ensure that all steps are carried out correctly.
- FTAM (File Transfer, Access and Management): FTAM is a protocol for transferring and managing files between different computer systems. It is used in the ATLAS system to transfer and manage files securely and efficiently.
- ENS (Entry Summary Declaration): ENS is an entry summary declaration that must be submitted before goods enter the EU.
- ENM (Import Monitoring): ENM describes the monitoring of import processes by the customs authorities.
- ENC (Import status information): ENC is used to query the current status of an import declaration.
- END (Import – Transfer, Clearence): END refers to the transfer of goods to the import procedure and their clearance.
- ENA (Import – Arrival): ENA stands for the arrival of goods in the customs territory of the EU.
- SAN, SAV, SAT, SVM, SAE, SKM (SumA Message Groups): These groups cover various aspects of the summary declaration and processing procedures to manage the customs status and processing of goods.
- ZAV, ZVV, ZSZ1c (Free Circulation Message Groups): The message groups for free circulation concern the handling and status of goods that are released for free circulation, both in the normal procedure and in simplified procedures.
Updates and New Developments 2024
In order to meet the latest legal and technological requirements, ATLAS is regularly updated by the customs administration. The following innovations are particularly important in 2024:
- Expanded Mandatory Information: New mandatory information now includes the carrier (freight forwarder) and the license plate number of both domestic and cross-border transport vehicles. These details must be provided even if they are not yet known at the time of declaration—estimated information can be used instead. This enhances the traceability and security of goods movements and facilitates customs monitoring.
- Export Optimizations: Changes in the procedure for Authorized Exporters and simplified customs declarations allow for more efficient processing. Notifications of records are sent directly to the export customs office without the need to present the goods. This speeds up the export process and reduces the administrative burden on companies.
- Security Data: New rules for providing security data in export declarations (especially for shipments to non-EU countries) improve monitoring and security. The new measures ensure that all security-relevant information is accurately and fully captured, increasing supply chain security and minimizing risks.
- AES 3.0 (Automated Export System): The update to AES 3.0 also brings new mandatory information and optimized reporting processes for export declarations. The introduction of new security data and more precise tracking of transport vehicles are key changes. These adjustments aim to further improve the efficiency and accuracy of export processes and ensure compliance with international trade regulations.
Xcust: The Ideal Complement to the ATLAS System
To ensure secure and direct communication with the computing systems of the German customs authorities, we developed Xcust: a certified customs software that guarantees seamless integration with ATLAS, enabling efficient data exchange without costly third-party providers or delays. Our innovative software solution is based on Microsoft 365 Business Central and offers the following advantages:
- The direct link to ATLAS and DMS enables secure and direct communication with the customs authorities – minimizing transmission errors and significantly increasing the efficiency of customs processing.
- After the initial purchase, there are no additional costs per transaction. This makes Xcust a cost-effective solution for companies of all sizes. By saving on transaction fees, companies can better control and reduce their operating costs.
- Automatic plausibility checks ensure data quality and minimize errors in customs declarations. These automated checks guarantee that all relevant information is correct and complete before being submitted to customs authorities, reducing the likelihood of delays or rejections.
- Thanks to our agile development approach, Xcust can be optimally tailored to the specific requirements and processes of your company. This flexibility allows the software to be seamlessly integrated into your existing systems and aligned with your individual business processes.
- The integration with Microsoft 365 Business Central provides a familiar user interface and simplifies user training and adoption. Using Microsoft products also enables smooth collaboration and data integration within the company.
- Automated processes and real-time data transmission significantly accelerate customs processing. This allows companies to optimize their supply chains and ensure that goods pass through the customs process quickly and smoothly.
- Customers can access the current status of their customs declarations at any time, increasing transparency and satisfaction. This transparency enables companies to better inform their customers and respond more quickly to inquiries.
Comprehensive Solutions for Customs Processing
Because Xcust is seamlessly integrated into the ATLAS system, you benefit from end-to-end transparency and efficiency in your processes – which of course also has a noticeable impact on costs. Automated plausibility checks and real-time data transfers speed up processing considerably and reduce the error rate. The direct connection to ATLAS and DMS enables secure and direct communication with the customs authorities, while two permanent VPN tunnels ensure secure data exchange. In addition, transaction costs are eliminated, resulting in significant cost efficiency. The user-friendly interface and integration with Microsoft 365 Business Central simplify operation and increase user acceptance. With Xcust and Xfreight, companies can optimize their logistics and customs processes and meet the requirements of international trade.
