ATLAS procedure: The digital processing of customs declarations in Germany

The ATLAS procedure (Automated Tariff and Local Customs Clearance System) is the electronic customs system of the German customs administration. It enables the Digital registration and clearance of imports and exports.

1. what is ATLAS?

ATLAS is a IT systemthat companies, freight forwarders and customs authorities use to Electronic processing of customs formalities. It largely replaces paper-based customs declarations and speeds up the process.

Main functions of ATLAS:
Electronic Import and export declarations
Tariff classification of goods (based on the HS code)
Customs notices and tax assessments retrieve online
Status tracking of customs procedures in real time
Automated communication with customs offices

2. who must use ATLAS?

• Companies that import or export goods
• Freight forwarders and logistics service providers
• Customs agents and consultants
• Large online retailers and manufacturers with international business

Private individuals do not have to use ATLASbut can process their customs declarations via local customs offices.

3. advantages of the ATLAS system

Faster customs clearance → Less waiting time at customs offices
Paperless registrations → Less bureaucracy and costs
Electronic tax calculation → Direct indication of the duties & taxes to be paid
Better control & transparency → Status tracking of customs procedures at any time
Simplified communication with customs

4 How does ATLAS work in practice?

The system runs via Special software solutionswhich are directly connected to the customs administration.
Companies can use their Customs declarations either submit them yourself using ATLAS-compatible software or use a Commission a customs service provider.

a) Steps of an ATLAS customs declaration:

Record data:

• Goods data (quantity, weight, HS code)
• Sender and recipient
• Customs value (incl. freight costs)

Submit customs declaration electronically About ATLAS

Automatic inspection by customs

• If anything is unclear Inquiries or checks be requested

Receive customs notification & make payment

Release of goods & onward transportation

5 Which customs procedures are integrated in ATLAS?

ATLAS supports Various customs procedures:

Import procedure → Import clearance & customs clearance
Export procedure → Export declaration & export accompanying documents (ABD)
Customs warehousing procedure → Storage of duty unpaid goods
Transit procedure (NCTS) → Transportation of goods without direct customs clearance

6. requirements for the use of ATLAS

To use ATLAS, a company needs:

• One EORI number (for identification at customs)
• Certified ATLAS software or access via a Customs service provider
• Access to the IT system of the customs administration

Alternative: If you don't want to use ATLAS yourself, you can use a Customs agents or forwarding agent commission.