Message declarant: There will be changes to certificate policies
In message exchange with Customs, server certificates granted by the Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV) are used. The validity period of the server certificate will be shortened in stages over the next few years. In 2026, DVV will also differentiate the current server certificates into two products: server certificate (Server Auth) and client certificate (Client Auth).
Two certificates to be introduced in message exchange
Due to the changes to certificates, two certificates will be introduced in message exchange with Customs.
- The client certificate will be used for signing messages and authenticating customers.
- Using the message notification service or GoodsShipmentInfo (GSI) will also require a server certificate.
The validity period of client certificates is 12 months, and the VAT number of the client company must be stored as the SerialNumber attribute value.
Start using the client certificate in message exchange
You can start using the client certificate regarding certificates to be renewed after 15 March 2026. You can, however, use your current server certificate until it expires.
When your server certificate expires, you should order a new client certificate from DVV for message exchange and, where necessary, also a server certificate for the message notification service and GoodsShipmentInfo (GSI).
The validity period of the server certificate to be shortened
The validity period of the server certificate will be shortened in stages over the next few years. The validity period has been shortened from 15 March 2026 to 200 days (around 6 months). In a few years, the validity period will be shortened to 47 days. A server certificate granted by DVV compliant with the eIDAS Regulation can be used as the server certificate.
In the future, it will be possible to renew certificates automatically with the ACME service. DVV is planning to introduce the ACME service in May 2026.