Customs inspections visible online in Dutch ports

The PortBase Inspection Portal service, the organisation behind the umbrella national Port Community System, is enabling people to view online all import checks that take place in Dutch ports under the direction of Customs. The port business sector can closely monitor its ‘own’ cargo from the 1st notice to the release.

The new service enables all involved parties to view in time which import cargo is being selected for scans or physical checks. Terminals can block containers and other cargo in their systems before these actually arrive. This means that inspection is possible immediately on arrival. Cargo can then proceed quickly to the next stage in the logistics chain.

The Inspection Portal services was developed by PortBase, in close collaboration with Customs, terminals, shipping companies, ship agents and agents. The service is available via the internet and displays the planned checks of containers, bulk and general goods in all Dutch ports. This applies to both Customs checks and inspections that are carried out at the request of the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) and the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT). As well as a real-time dashboard to monitor the checks, the Inspection Portal also offers extensive options for reporting and for consultation and tracking.

Iwan van der Wolf, Managing Director of Portbase: ‘Inspection Portal is a good example of how we work together with our community to ensure that Dutch ports operate in increasingly smarter ways.’

Source: Port of Rotterdam