Digital customs procedures at Belgian airports

The airports of Brussels, Liège, and Ostend-Bruges have launched a joint initiative to digitize customs procedures for air freight companies. This collaboration is coordinated by Air Cargo Belgium, supported by LGG Connect. The aim is to standardize the exchange of customs declarations for import, export, and transit through the platforms of the respective airports.

The new digital solutions are intended to enable companies to submit their customs declarations more efficiently and uniformly. The airports will use the same principles and interfaces, which will standardize processes and increase the efficiency of customs procedures. This standardization is seen as an important step in strengthening Belgium’s position as a logistics hub in international trade. In the coming months, the unified approach will be further developed and implemented.

Currently, air freight companies are still partially using the existing PaperLess Douane and Accises (PLDA) system for the electronic exchange of customs messages with the Customs and Excise Administration. At the same time, the transition to MASP-C has been initiated, a multi-year strategic plan for modernizing customs procedures at the European level. As part of this plan, companies will be able to better understand the digitization of customs processes through the platforms of their respective airports.

Digital customs declarations via new portals

In the future, air freight companies will be able to submit their customs declarations for „temporary storage“ digitally through a new portal on their airport’s data platform. Brussels Airport will use the BRUCloud platform for this purpose, while Liège Airport will employ the LGG Tracking platform. Both systems are designed similarly for the exchange of customs messages and are connected to the electronic customs systems for processing and tracking the declarations. Feedback from the customs authorities will then be transmitted to the companies via the portals.

The unified approach is intended not only to improve the efficiency of customs procedures but also to enhance Belgium’s attractiveness as a logistics hub for international business. Through standardization, it will become easier for foreign companies to handle imports and exports through Belgian airports.

Unique partnership model in Belgian aviation

The collaboration between Brussels Airport and Liège Airport represents a special partnership in the Belgian aviation sector, which also includes Ostend-Bruges Airport. Air Cargo Belgium, which represents the interests of air freight companies at the Belgian capital airport, and LGG Connect, the organization of the airport community in Liège, coordinate the project. The digital portal will be further developed in the coming months, with the goal of being operational by the end of 2026.

Freek De Witte, Director of Air Cargo Belgium, emphasizes: „Thanks to the unique connection with our operational partners, Air Cargo Belgium enjoys the full trust of both the General Customs and Excise Administration and its members. Our membership in the steering committee of the national forum of AAD&A confirms this mandate.“

www.aircargobelgium.be