In our work as Dutch Customs, we are closely
linked to the business community.
A structured dialogue is therefore
of great importance.
This takes place in
The Customs Business Community Consultation. (het Overleg Douane Bedrijfsleven, ODB)
The Customs Business Community Consultation
has a long and rich history.
It is not only informative;
it also provides an opportunity for
the business community to raise issues,
albeit with occasional disagreements.
These discussions generally lead to a better
understanding of each other's perspectives,
after which we often
find common ground through dialogue.
In The ODB, Dutch Customs
gets to do business with entire industries at once.
Meanwhile, the industries get to know Dutch Customs' strategic agenda.
This enables companies to anticipate the implications for business operations.
This is of importance.
Especially when it comes to new legislation or sanctions.
Discussions often revolve around trade, supervised by Dutch Customs.
For us, it is crucial to find the best balance between enforcement
and trade facilitation.
In aviation, goods such as medication must pass through quickly upon arrival in Europe.
Together with Dutch Customs, we manage to
expedite this process.
Dutch Customs excel in this,
thanks to digitization and innovation.
Companies, in the US for example, often choose the Netherlands for this reason
As Dutch Customs, we aim to align enforcement and supervision with the realities of the business community.
This can be challenging.
It is very relevant
for the competitive position of the Netherlands and the European Union.
Our dialogue with the business community is quite unique in the world.
Other countries don't engage in a similar dialogue to the same extent.
But we benefit and learn from it.
Industry associations provide valuable input for our implementation policies and strategies.
Take, for example, the extended recovery period.
Due to a legislative change in 2016,
the Netherlands increased the term from 3 to 5 years in all cases,
herby catching the business community off guard.
Ultimately, the business community was heard,
and the law is being amended.
Had it been done faster, extra assessments could have been prevented.
Unfortunately, that’s irreparable.
But it shows the value of dialogue.
Competitors across the border envy this very much.
They hardly have a constructive dialogue with the government.
Communication is more one-sided and directive, despite clear shared interests.
Both parties want safe transportation.
And if we look at the excise duty payments,
we see that air transport represents 1% of world trade,
accounting for 35% of its value.
It benefits Dutch Customs that they can closely supervise the cross-border movement of these goods.
An open dialogue between private and public sectors
has become part of our DNA as Dutch Customs.
The ODB will remain part of the way Dutch Customs
communicates with its relevant environment.
The ODB is here to stay, so to speak.
And we cherish it.