Missing IE599 for Export via Antwerp (Port of Antwerp-Bruges) — APCS MRN
Port of Antwerp-Bruges (UN/LOCODE: BE ANR for Antwerp, BE ZEE for Zeebrugge) is Europe's second-largest container port. Since April 28, 2022, the ports of Antwerp and Zeebrugge operate as a single entity — Port of Antwerp-Bruges NV. Belgian customs (FOD Financien — Douane & Accijnzen) handle clearance through the PLDA/AES system.
C-Point (APCS) and e-Desk — How Do They Work?
C-Point (formerly APCS — Antwerp Port Community System) was integrated into the main Port of Antwerp-Bruges portal on October 1, 2024. It is the central system connecting all logistics chain participants in the port. The APCS MRN registration system is critical for linking your export declaration to port operations.
Key components for the export procedure:
- e-Desk — paperless system tracking container movements and export customs clearances. Mandatory for export operations in the port.
- Belgian AES — since October 31, 2024, replaced the previous PLDA Export system. New B2G (business-to-government) message formats for export procedures.
- NxtPort — technical platform providing port data infrastructure.
The Belgian customs authority responsible for export closure is FOD Financien / Douane Belgie (Algemene Administratie der Douane en Accijnzen).
MRN Closure Procedure in Antwerp
- Registration in e-Desk — the export declaration with the MRN is registered in the e-Desk system
- Container delivery to terminal — the container is accepted at the designated terminal
- Customs inspection (optional) — Belgian customs may direct the shipment for inspection
- Vessel loading — after loading, the Belgian AES is notified through e-Desk
- IE507 + IE590 — exit confirmation messages are generated by the Belgian customs system
- IE518 — results are sent to the Polish customs office of export
- IE599/CC599C — export confirmation is issued by the Polish AES/ECS2 PLUS system
Why MRN May Not Be Closed in Antwerp
- Missing e-Desk registration — export documents were not entered into the port system
- PLDA to AES migration (completed 31.10.2024) — new message formats may cause issues with older declarations
- Different systems at different terminals — PSA and DP World have different internal processes
- Missing IE590 — carrier or terminal did not submit the exit notification
- Certified Pick up — new security process may affect document flow
- Communication issues between Belgian and Polish customs systems — especially during the AES migration transitional period
How We Help
- Status analysis — verification whether the declaration was properly registered in e-Desk and Belgian AES
- Contact with Belgian customs (FOD Financien / Douane) and e-Desk support
- Exit evidence collection — loading confirmation from terminal, manifest, B/L
- Enquiry procedure coordination with the Polish customs office of export (Art. 335 UCC-IA)
- Obtaining IE599/CC599C
What We Need From You
- MRN of the export declaration
- Container number
- Booking data with the carrier
- Bill of Lading (B/L)
- Exporter's EORI number
- Terminal name in Antwerp (if known)
Key Terminals in Antwerp
- PSA Antwerp
- DP World Antwerp
- MPET (MSC PSA European Terminal)
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Antwerp and Zeebrugge the same port now?
Yes. Since April 28, 2022, both ports operate as Port of Antwerp-Bruges NV. UN/LOCODE codes remain separate: Antwerp — BE ANR, Zeebrugge — BE ZEE. In the customs declaration, use the code corresponding to the actual place of exit.
What is APCS and how does it affect MRN closure?
APCS (Antwerp Port Community System), now integrated as C-Point, is Antwerp's central digital platform for port logistics. The e-Desk module handles export registration and APCS MRN tracking. Without proper APCS registration, your MRN may not be closed automatically.
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Close Your MRN in Antwerp — Contact Us
Send us your MRN and shipping documents. Free assessment within 24 hours.
Email: kontakt@potwierdz-wywoz.pl
See also: Zeebrugge | Rotterdam — Portbase