Please note: The algorithm descriptions in English have been automatically translated. Errors may have been introduced in this process. For the original descriptions, go to the Dutch version of the Algorithm Register.
Detecting risks in customs declarations for chemical licensing compliance
- Publication category
- Impactful algorithms
- Impact assessment
- Field not filled in.
- Status
- In use
General information
Theme
Begin date
Contact information
Link to publication website
Responsible use
Goal and impact
The purpose of this algorithm is to more efficiently select which declarations are potentially risk-sensitive under the Prevention of Misuse of Chemicals Act. This algorithm focuses on the import and export of chemicals and looks at declarations of goods entering the territory of the Netherlands from outside the European Union. It indicates which declarations are subject to an authorisation requirement for chemicals. Customs checks companies based on the results of this algorithm. By using this algorithm, declarations are handled more efficiently, resulting in declarations being checked faster and possibly released faster.
Considerations
Customs processes 700 million declarations annually, including in the field of chemicals. With this algorithm (risk profiles), Customs can assess declarations more efficiently and faster than without using this algorithm. Thus, declarations are approved or checked faster. And goods are released faster. The algorithm also ensures that 'known and reliable' companies are actually checked less.
Human intervention
If a declaration yields a match with a risk profile, a Customs employee assesses the declaration based on the risk profile. If necessary, the Customs employee asks for more information. The decision to approve a declaration, or instead to start checking, is made by a human being.
Risk management
A risk profile is always developed and checked by at least two customs staff before use. This is the 4-eye principle. And once the profile is in use, a weekly check is made for a profile to see how many declarations produce a match. If necessary, the profile can be adjusted. Periodically, Customs checks per profile whether it is still necessary to refine, extend or terminate it. Customs monitors internal and external complaints and incidents, for example if a profile is insufficiently specific and therefore designates too many declarations as higher risk.
Legal basis
Legal basis for controls on chemicals lies in the Union Customs Code (DWU), the General Customs Act and the Prevention of Misuse of Chemicals Act. These laws ensure that the import and export of chemicals is done properly. The use of risk profiles also relies on DWU section 46. This says that customs controls should primarily rely on risk analysis by electronic data processing techniques.
Links to legal bases
- https://wetten.overheid.nl/BWBR0007286/2022-01-01: Wet voorkoming misbruik chemicaliën
- https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/NL/TXT/PDF/?uri=celex:32013R0952: Douanewetboek van de Unie
Operations
Data
The algorithm can use any data from the goods declaration. For example, type of goods, goods code, weight, number of packages, consignee, declarant, consignor, country of consignment, EORI number, means of transport, etc.
Links to data sources
Technical design
The algorithm consists of decision rules created in collaboration with content experts. These decision rules provide estimates of which declarations have a higher risk of importing and exporting unlicensed chemicals These decision rules are based on 'if-then-else' combinations. An example: if (if) the information we have on a shipment shows that the goods have an abnormal weight, (then) we manually check the declaration and the shipment may be selected for extended inspection. If the goods do not have an abnormal weight (else), we do not stop the shipment. Or at least not based on this criterion.