APCS e-Desk Service — MRN Closure Antwerp & Zeebrugge
The Port of Antwerp-Bruges is Europe's second-largest seaport, handling over 13.6 million TEU each year (2025 data). Exports through Antwerp and Zeebrugge require an MRN notification via the APCS e-Desk portal — the digital platform operated by NxtPort. We handle this registration on your behalf, ensuring your MRN is closed and your CC599C exit confirmation is delivered.
What Is APCS?
APCS stands for Antwerp Port Community System. It is the digital infrastructure that facilitates data exchange between all parties operating in the Port of Antwerp-Bruges: shipping lines, terminal operators, freight forwarders, customs brokers, and Belgian customs authorities.
APCS is developed and operated by NxtPort, a Belgian technology company focused on port digitalisation. NxtPort was established as a joint initiative by the Port of Antwerp Authority and several leading logistics companies to create a neutral, shared data platform for the port community.
The platform provides a suite of digital services, including container tracking, barge and truck planning, and — most importantly for MRN closure — the e-Desk module for electronic MRN exchange.
The e-Desk Portal: Digital MRN Exchange
The e-Desk is the specific APCS module used for submitting export MRN notifications electronically. It replaced older manual processes (email, fax) that were slow and error-prone. The system validates MRN data, checks it against terminal records, and forwards it to Belgian customs — significantly reducing processing time and eliminating the most common sources of error.
For companies that export through Antwerp or Zeebrugge, the e-Desk notification process requires specialized knowledge of Belgian port systems and customs procedures — which is where our service provides the most value.
Port of Antwerp-Bruges: The 2022 Merger
In April 2022, the Port of Antwerp and the Port of Zeebrugge officially merged to form the Port of Antwerp-Bruges. This merger created Europe's second-largest port by cargo volume and brought both ports under a single management structure.
For MRN closure purposes, this merger is significant because both ports are now served by the same APCS system. Whether your container is loaded at a terminal in Antwerp (such as PSA Antwerp, MPET, or Antwerp Gateway) or at a terminal in Zeebrugge (such as CSP Zeebrugge or APM Terminals Zeebrugge), the MRN notification follows the same e-Desk process.
This unification simplifies the process for exporters. In the past, Antwerp and Zeebrugge had slightly different notification procedures. Today, a single e-Desk submission covers both ports, and our service handles both seamlessly.
Belgian Customs: The PLDA System
Belgian customs operates the PLDA system (Paperless Douane & Accijnzen), which is the national customs processing platform. PLDA handles all types of customs declarations, including import, export, transit, and excise.
When an MRN notification is submitted through APCS e-Desk, the data flows to PLDA, which validates the export declaration against the EU-wide Export Control System (ECS). PLDA checks that the MRN is valid, that the goods description matches the declaration, and that there are no customs holds or risk flags.
Once the vessel departs and the exit is confirmed, PLDA generates the CC599C exit confirmation message. This message is sent electronically to the customs office of export (which may be in Belgium, Poland, Germany, or any other EU member state), closing the MRN and providing the exporter with proof of export.
Our Process
Submit MRN + container data
Provide your MRN, container number, and booking reference for the Antwerp or Zeebrugge shipment through our panel, email, or API.
e-Desk MRN notification
We submit the MRN notification through our NxtPort/APCS account via the e-Desk portal, linking your export declaration to the container and terminal.
PLDA customs validation
Belgian customs validates the export through the PLDA system. We monitor the status and resolve any discrepancies or risk flags immediately.
CC599C confirmation
Once the export exit is confirmed, the CC599C message is generated by PLDA and forwarded to the customs office of export. We deliver this confirmation to you.
Pricing
From €20 per individual filing.
Package of 50 filings: €950 (save 5%).
All prices are net (excluding VAT). Covers both Antwerp and Zeebrugge terminals. Initial verification is always free of charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is APCS and who operates it?
APCS (Antwerp Port Community System) is the digital platform for data exchange in the Port of Antwerp-Bruges. It is operated by NxtPort, a Belgian technology company established as a joint initiative by the port authority and leading logistics companies. APCS manages the digital infrastructure for both Antwerp and Zeebrugge terminals.
What is the e-Desk portal?
e-Desk is the APCS module specifically designed for electronic MRN exchange. It allows authorized users to submit export MRN notifications digitally, replacing the older manual processes. The system validates the MRN format, checks container data against terminal records, and forwards the notification to Belgian customs.
Does your service cover both Antwerp and Zeebrugge?
Yes. Since the merger of the ports in 2022 into the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, both Antwerp and Zeebrugge are served by the same APCS system. Our service covers all terminals in both ports, including PSA Antwerp, MPET, Antwerp Gateway, CSP Zeebrugge, and APM Terminals Zeebrugge.
How does Belgian customs process the export?
Belgian customs uses the PLDA system (Paperless Douane & Accijnzen) to process export declarations. When an MRN notification is submitted via e-Desk, the data is forwarded to PLDA, which validates it against the EU Export Control System. Once the vessel departs and the exit is confirmed, PLDA generates the CC599C message.
Close MRN in Antwerp — from €15
We cover 8 European ports. Average processing time: 2-4 hours.