Port of Antwerp-Bruges — 2025-05-06
Members Corner
Inbound Release Platform (IRP) has been active since 1 April 2025. This innovative solution, developed by Port of Antwerp-Bruges and subsidiary NxtPort, in collaboration with The Way Forward and Belgian customs, supports the port community in the implementation of the new European customs legislation for incoming goods flows. With IRP, the digital handling of import, transhipment and transit in all Belgian seaports becomes more transparent, faster and safer.
Smart data flows between companies and customs
In order to meet European requirements, Belgian customs must fully switch to the new PN/TS system for the digital registration and control of goods entering the European Union. This brings major changes for the logistics sector: processes become more complex and require an accurate and timely exchange of various data.
At the request of the port community, NxtPort developed IRP: a smart link between customs and shipping agents, terminal operators, declarants and logistics service providers. The platform allows relevant data to be centrally supplied and consulted, with maximum attention to data security.
Efficiency, transparency and compliance in every link
IRP is available in all Belgian seaports and supports import, transhipment and transit of all goods flows (breakbulk, bulk, containers, ferry and RoRo). The platform increases transparency in data, simplifies compliance with customs legislation and accelerates logistics processes. For example, shipping agents now automatically share their cargo lists, terminal operators optimise their goods handling and declarants and logistics service providers gain faster and clearer insight into the status of their shipments via the Import Consignment API. IRP unburdens companies by connecting all links.
Geert Maes, Transition Manager, NxtPort: " Since the launch of IRP on 1 April, the roll-out has been carried out in a controlled and phased process, in close collaboration with a number of early movers in Zeebrugge, Antwerp and Ghent (MSC Belgium, Grimaldi Belgium, CSP Zeebrugge Terminal, Antwerp Euroterminal, Stukwerkers and De Baerdemaecker). By testing in stages with increasing volumes and complexity, the processes are carefully validated and, where necessary, refined in the production environment. This pragmatic approach also gives customs the necessary space to master the system and prevents disruptions in the flow of goods. Today, almost 100% of shipping agents and terminal operators in Belgium are involved, and the commitment on the logistics side is also growing: 60 to 70 declarants and logistics service providers have already started onboarding on their own initiative."
Ready for smoother customs clearance?
Shipping agents and terminal operators are advised to prepare for the implementation of IRP in good time, in line with the phased planning. Declarants and logistics service providers are encouraged to thoroughly inform themselves about these important operational changes. For them, IRP offers a powerful solution via the Import Consignment API. They can register via https://www.inboundrelease.com/contract-proposal-application-inbound-release-platform to ensure they are compliant by 31 December 2025. After registration, they will receive personal guidance from a NxtPort expert. Software providers are also encouraged to provide the necessary integrations between IRP and their customs software for electronic declarations, so that their customers can easily use the platform.
In this way, we are building a more transparent, safer and more efficient future with the entire logistics chain.
Wendy Vandenbussche, Customer Service Manager CSP Zeebrugge Terminal: "As CSP Zeebrugge we are proud to be one of the first terminals in Belgium to launch IRP, after a successful test phase with MSC Belgium and under the watchful eye of NxtPort. This technology facilitates communication between the players in the supply chain and Belgian customs. The transparent data sharing throughout the chain increases our efficiency as a terminal operator to release goods according to the legal customs regulations. Special thanks to our IT team for making this a success story."
Frederik Noppe, Senior Customs Officer Antwerp Euroterminal: "We are pleased to be able to contribute to the start-up of IRP. As a terminal, we see the considerable advantages that the platform offers for the customs clearance of incoming goods. Moreover, it provides more transparency throughout the chain. I would like to compliment the IRP team for their professional approach in realizing this project."
Yelle Deketelaere, General Manager De Baerdemaecker: "By working closely with the NxtPort/IRP team and actively participating in the test phase, we are able to thoroughly prepare ourselves for the upcoming changes in the customs landscape. Through our active involvement and collaboration with IRP, we guarantee our customers correct and efficient support for their import declarations."
Wouter Bassier, Import General Manager MSC Belgium: "We are proud that we were one of the first shipping companies to contribute to the test phase of the Inbound Release Platform. Thanks to the close collaboration with all parties involved, we are taking an important step towards the go-live of the platform."