The Port of Antwerp has launched its new BE-GATE digital customs platform, aiming to increase the efficiency of customs clearance processes in the cross-border flow of goods by facilitating the processing of large amounts of data and allowing customs applications to be cleared more quickly.
BE-GATE was developed with the backing of the Belgium Customs and Excise Department and will connect with four of the country’s most important hubs: the ports of Antwerp and Zeebrugge, and the airports of Brussels and Liege.
The free-of-charge customs portal allows a large volumes of arrival notifications to be transmitted simultaneously via an approved customs form, with cargo owners able to automatically receive information on those shipments that have been selected for customs control.
“Digitalisation is part of the DNA of Europe’s second largest port,” said Luc Arnouts, Director International Networks, Port of Antwerp.
“We expect BE-GATE to significantly simplify customs clearance and thus make Antwerp even more attractive as a location for e-commerce traffic.”
Excise goods, goods subject to licenses and goods subject to special restrictions and control measures are excluded from the use of BE-GATE.
