.23 12 2025
If you encounter difficulties when filing a declaration or if CERTEX returns an error message that blocks your declaration of organic goods, please contact the National Customs Helpdesk. You can reach this helpdesk by phone at 088‑1566655. For non‑urgent inquiries, you may also email the helpdesk at nhd.apeldoorn@douane.nl
Document code 317 or 319? Contact Skal
If, in addition to a blocking error code from CERTEX, your declaration receives document status 317, you may contact Skal by emailing import@skal.nl or calling 038‑426 81 65. The Import Helpdesk staff at Skal are available on business days from 07:00 to 18:00. If you receive document status 319, we also ask you to contact the Import Helpdesk staff at Skal. With document status 319, CERTEX blocks the declaration process because the associated COI has not yet been approved by Skal.
Signing box 31 on the COI: after release by Customs
The correct status of the COI is decisive for a successful declaration via the CERTEX system. The proper sequence is to submit the declaration after Skal has signed the COI as ‘organic’ in box 30 and before the first recipient signs the COI in box 31.
Pay extra attention when using product lines with the same commodity code
CERTEX checks the total weight per commodity code. Therefore it is essential that the information in the declaration matches the information in box 13 (‘Description of the products’) of the COI. If this information differs, your declaration will be rejected and CERTEX will issue a blocking error code. Pay special attention when you use multiple product lines with the same commodity code. If any of the lines in your declaration does not match the COI, the declaration will be rejected.
More about CERTEX
Since 13 December 2025, Customs has used CERTEX to control the mandatory Certificate of Inspection (COI) for the import of organic shipments. CERTEX links customs systems to non‑customs formalities systems, enabling automated data exchange.