Digital customs communication Your message exchange for fast customs clearance
Our solution for the ATLAS application ZELOS: a platform for the central exchange of documents, inquiries, and comments directly with customs.
Soon German customs authorities will not be using fax machines any longer. Therefore, the ATLAS application ZELOS has been created to allow a centralized exchange of documents, enquiries, and statements. The future communication to ATLAS applications (started in 2023 with ATLAS import) will be digital and without media disruption via ZELOS thus replacing communication by e-mail, telephone, or fax. For this purpose, German customs authorities are not providing any kind of consumer software.
Features
Features overview
Uncomplicated
Communication with customs has never been easier.
Direct
The exchange takes place directly with customs without any media discontinuity.
Automated
Store all necessary documents so that customs enquiries can be answered automatically by the system.
Comprehensive
We provide ZELOS functionality for all ATLAS applications as early as possible.
Functions
Functions
- With every customs declaration, there may be queries from customs or additional documents may be requested. Our ZELOS application is connected to the ATLAS application by customs, allowing you to handle all enquiries effortlessly.
- There is no longer a need for external e-mail programs or fax machines – everything is bundled in one application. Proactively send the documents for your customs declaration to customs, or reactively send the documents and statements requested by customs.
- Save even more time by storing the required documents in the software beforehand and transmitting them automatically.
- If you already process your customs declarations via FORMAT-IVEAS, the connection is available and ready for use in just a few steps.
Outlook
- German customs has been gradually transitioning the individual customs procedures to ZELOS since 2023.
- As soon as these are available, we carry out the corresponding certifications. In this way, we guarantee you the earliest possible use of ZELOS for the respective message group in your company.
Technical
functions
- Specially developed BridgeConnect data transfer service for smooth connection to FORMAT-IVEAS
- Multiple file formats for transferring your documents: PDF, JPG, PNG
Workflow
Data exchange with customs via ZELOS
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Which other customs procedures will be migrated to ZELOS in future?
- Since 2023, German Customs has been gradually migrating individual customs procedures to ZELOS.
- In addition to the ATLAS applications already in use, the plan—following successful certification—is to migrate further procedures, such as the ATLAS export procedure and, where applicable, other message groups, to ZELOS.
- The aim is to handle all customs communication digitally and end‑to‑end, so that all relevant customs procedures are gradually integrated into the ZELOS system.
How does ZELOS integrate with existing software solutions?
- Integration is via the purpose‑built data transfer service “BridgeConnect”, which enables seamless, automated data exchange.
- For existing applications such as FORMAT‑IVEAS, the connection can be implemented in just a few steps, efficiently extending your existing business processes to include digital customs communication.
- By using standardised interfaces (e.g., XML interfaces), relevant data—such as customs declarations and associated documents—can be exchanged seamlessly between your software and ZELOS.
Which file formats are supported by ZELOS?
Documents can be submitted in PDF, PNG or JPG format.
What are the technical requirements for using ZELOS?
- A connection to FORMAT‑IVEAS via the bespoke data‑transfer service “BridgeConnect”, which ensures seamless data exchange.
- The ability to use various file formats (PDF, JPG, PNG) to transfer documents.
- A stable internet connection, as ZELOS is designed as a digital communication tool for the end‑to‑end transmission of documents, enquiries and statements.
- Compliance with the security and certification requirements stipulated by the German customs authorities — this may include additional IT security measures or digital certificates to ensure the secure exchange of information.
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