Information system reengineering: XML messages will replace instant messaging bubbles

The re-engineering of the Aida System, promoted by the Customs Agency (Note AD 2 December 2019 n. 201666 and Note AD 29 December 2020 n. Union to the institutes of the Customs Code of European Union (UCC).

The main news:

Concerns the different way to manage Import Declarations: IM customs bills will be replaced by messages in XML format (eXtensible Markup Language).

This change is of particular importance as, in practice, there will no longer be import customs bills, characterized by single fields indicative of certain data, but messages structured as XML files.

What are XML messages?

XML stands for "eXtensible Markup Language". These are messages structured as files that will actually replace the import invoices.

XML messages can be defined as a metalanguage which, thanks to its syntax, standardizes the content of the tables and therefore the tracking of goods.

The XML files can be of different types, depending on the customs procedure:

H1 Declaration of release for free circulation and special regime - specific use - declaration of end use

H2 Customs warehouse declaration

H3 Declaration of temporary admission

H4 Inward processing declaration

H5 Declaration of introduction of goods in the framework of trade with special fiscal territories

H6 Customs declarations in postal traffic for release for free circulation

H7 Customs declarations for the release for free circulation of consignments benefiting from an exemption from import duties pursuant to Article 23 (1) or Article 25 (1) of Regulation (EC) n. 1186/2009

I1 Simplified declaration

I2 Notification of presentation of goods to customs in case of registration in the declarant's documents or in the context of customs declarations sent before presentation of the goods for importation

When it goes into effect: April 1, 2022.

Let's see the changes that affect the reengineering process:

Operators will enjoy greater flexibility as they will be able to send data incrementally (in a single declaration or in multiple steps)

You can enter more than 40 singles per declaration (currently foreseen), reaching a maximum of 999 customs codes

It will be possible to obtain the release of the goods for an entire declaration or for a single item

There are new ways of communicating with subscribers, based on the most recent international standards (exchange of messages in XML format via web services);

Other certification authorities will be recognized for identification and digital signature

Recognition of users via SPID or CNS

Features:

In line with the customs clearance processes defined by the European Commission, the redesigned version of Aida distinguishes the different stages of processing the customs declaration, such as registration, acceptance, possible control and release.

It is also possible to access external databases (such as Certex, Customs Decisions System, REX) while preserving the timeliness of the registration of the customs declaration.

The acceptance of the declaration is notified to the declarant by assigning the registration number MRN (Master Reference Number).

It will be possible to amend an import declaration even after obtaining the release, or to delete it completely.

This is a radical change of extreme importance for international trade, which for the first time is moving towards a new and more efficient digitalized method, marking a step forward in economic relations which, increasingly numerous and articulated, require a simple and timely management.