Simon Tanklager uses OpenTAS for German domestic EMCS
05/24/2012 Simon Tanklager uses OpenTAS for German domestic EMCS Smooth changeover to new customs regulations
Starting this year, the "Excise Movement and Control System" (EMCS) has also become mandatory within Germany. Simon Tanklager implement the electronic customs regulations by using the EMCS solution embedded in OpenTAS. This enables the Mannheim-based company to continue offering secure, rapid loading operations for its customers – despite considerably more complex customs clearance workflows. Data relevant for EMCS is transferred via Implico's Hamburg Clearing Center to the data center at the German Customs Administration.Mannheim-based Simon Tanklager is operated as a subsidiary of the UK Simon Storage Group, Europe's leading independent service provider for petroleum and gas logistics. For over 15 years, the company has been using OpenTAS – the Implico Group's terminal management and terminal automation system – to automate its loading processes. The Simon Storage subsidiary is also entrusting the implementation of the new customs regulations to Implico's industry expertise and the straightforward integration of EMCS requirements in OpenTAS.
Rapid loading including customs declaration
With the new EMCS regulations, which came into force this year, all movements of goods subject to excise duty within Germany must now be initiated and completed electronically. For the transportation of energy products, this entails an overhaul of the entire customs duty procedure. To keep additional work for terminal personnel to a minimum, reduce waiting times and ensure rapid vehicle changeover following loading, Implico has integrated the EMCS processes into OpenTAS. The system offers customers a choice of semi-automatic or fully-automated handling of the loading process with simultaneous customs declaration. The customs authorities have audited the procedure and certified OpenTAS for EMCS usage. With the semi-automatic solution – which is the version adopted by Simon Tanklager – the workflow from loading to customs declaration is managed by company personnel. The process is completed by issuing the customs documents, while data transfer is executed automatically in the background.
Customs link via the Implico Clearing Center
An interface to OpenTAS is used to transfer excise-relevant data to the customs authorities immediately after the loading process. This requires a connection from Simon Tanklager to Implico's Hamburg office. A dedicated line handles communication between the Clearing Center and the data center at the German Customs Administration. The Clearing Center receives the answer from Customs and forwards this directly to Simon Tanklager. As they leave the tank terminal, tank truck drivers receive the electronic Administrative Document (e-AD) that approves their onward journey. Typically, the entire procedure takes just a few seconds. For Simon Tanklager, OpenTAS offers the benefit of having master data transferred automatically into the corresponding documents. In this way, Simon Tanklager can assure its customers of a secure and rapid handling process.
Alongside Simon Tanklager, other customers have also integrated the national EMCS processes into their OpenTAS systems, including OMV Deutschland, TanQuid, Total Deutschland and Vopak.
