Portbase MRN Closure — Rotterdam & Amsterdam
The Port of Rotterdam is Europe's largest seaport by cargo throughput, handling over 14.2 million TEU annually (2025 data). Every export shipment leaving Rotterdam or Amsterdam requires a notification through Portbase — the Dutch Port Community System. Without this notification, your MRN stays open and no CC599C confirmation is generated.
What Is Portbase?
Portbase is the Dutch Port Community System (PCS) — a non-profit digital platform that connects all participants in port logistics. Operated by Portbase B.V., it serves as the central data exchange hub for shipping lines, terminal operators, freight forwarders, customs brokers, and government authorities across all Dutch seaports.
Unlike the German port systems (which are operated by private companies like DAKOSY or dbh), Portbase operates as a non-profit foundation supported by the Port of Rotterdam Authority and the Port of Amsterdam. This means the platform is designed to serve the entire port community, not generate profit for its operator.
Portbase provides over 40 different services, from vessel planning and import notifications to export documentation and customs integration. For MRN closure purposes, the key service is MED — Melding Export Documentatie.
MED — Melding Export Documentatie
MED (Export Documentation Notification) is the specific Portbase service that enables MRN closure for export shipments. It works by creating a digital link between:
- The MRN from the export declaration filed in the country of export
- The container number at the Dutch terminal
- The vessel and voyage information for the departing ship
When a MED notification is submitted, Portbase automatically transmits the data to the Dutch customs authority (Douane). The Douane then validates the export declaration, confirms the goods are eligible for export, and — once the vessel departs — triggers the CC599C exit confirmation message.
This process is critical because Dutch customs operates its own national customs system (DMS — Douane Management Systeem), which is separate from the ATLAS system used in Germany or the Belgian AES used in Belgium. Portbase serves as the bridge that connects foreign export declarations with the Dutch port infrastructure.
How Portbase Connects to Dutch Customs
The integration between Portbase and the Douane is fully electronic. When a MED notification is submitted, Portbase validates the data, forwards it to the Douane, which checks the MRN against the EU-wide ECS (Export Control System). Once the vessel departs and the Douane confirms the exit, the CC599C message is sent to the customs office of export.
This automated process means that once the MED notification is correctly submitted, the rest of the closure happens without manual intervention. The key challenge lies in ensuring the MED is submitted correctly — with accurate container, terminal, and vessel information. Errors at this stage can delay the closure by days or weeks.
Coverage: Rotterdam and Amsterdam
Because Portbase is the unified system for all Dutch seaports, our service covers MRN closures for exports through both major Dutch ports:
- Port of Rotterdam — Europe's largest port. Terminals include ECT Euromax, APMT Maasvlakte II, RWG (Rotterdam World Gateway), and ECT Delta. Handles over 14.2 million TEU annually (2025 data).
- Port of Amsterdam — The Netherlands' second-largest port, particularly important for bulk cargo, project cargo, and certain container routes. Includes TMA (Terminal de Meerkoeten Amsterdam) and other facilities.
Regardless of which Dutch port your goods depart from, the Portbase MED process is identical. You provide the MRN and container details, and we handle the rest.
Our Process
Submit MRN + shipment data
Provide your MRN, container number, and carrier booking reference. If available, include the vessel name and voyage number for faster processing.
MED notification via Portbase
We submit the Melding Export Documentatie through our Portbase account, linking your MRN to the container and specifying the correct terminal and vessel.
Douane validation
Dutch customs validates the export declaration and monitors the container movement. We track the status and resolve any discrepancies immediately.
CC599C confirmation
Once the Douane confirms the export exit, the CC599C message is generated 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 Rotterdam and Amsterdam ports. Initial verification is always free of charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Portbase and who operates it?
Portbase is the Dutch Port Community System — a non-profit digital platform connecting all parties in port logistics. It is operated by Portbase B.V. and supported by the Port of Rotterdam Authority and Port of Amsterdam. It serves as the central data exchange hub for all Dutch seaports.
What is MED (Melding Export Documentatie)?
MED is the Export Documentation Notification — a Portbase service that links export customs declarations (MRNs) to physical container movements at Dutch port terminals. Without a MED notification, Dutch customs cannot match the export declaration to the container departure, and the MRN remains open.
Does your service cover both Rotterdam and Amsterdam?
Yes. Portbase is the unified system for all Dutch seaports. Our service covers MRN closures for exports through both the Port of Rotterdam and the Port of Amsterdam, as well as smaller Dutch ports connected to the Portbase network.
How does Portbase connect to Dutch customs?
Portbase has a direct electronic interface with the Douane (Dutch customs). When a MED notification is submitted, Portbase automatically forwards the export data to the Douane, which validates it against the EU-wide Export Control System (ECS). This integration enables real-time customs processing without manual intervention.
Close MRN in Rotterdam — from €15
We cover 8 European ports. Average processing time: 2-4 hours.