On 14 September 2026, the Portuguese Tax and Customs Authority (AT) announced the cessation of the “automatic” continuity plan for the SiMTeM (Integrated Customs Management System) air transport interface. SiMTeM is the platform used for electronic customs declarations, including Entry Summary Declarations (ENS) for air cargo. The automatic continuity plan had allowed operators to fall back to simplified procedures during system disruptions. Its termination means that economic operators — airlines, freight forwarders, and customs brokers — must now rely exclusively on the standard SiMTeM functionalities and contingency procedures defined in the current manuals. This change is part of the AT’s broader strategy to modernise customs IT systems and align with the EU’s ICS2 (Import Control System 2) requirements for pre‑arrival security and safety data.
Key Takeaways
- End of Automatic Fallback: The automatic continuity mechanism for SiMTeM Air is discontinued; operators must use the standard declaration channels and follow the updated user manuals for any system unavailability.
- Impact on Air Cargo Supply Chain: Airlines, freight forwarders, and customs representatives must ensure their systems and processes are fully compliant with the standard SiMTeM workflow to avoid delays in cargo clearance.
- Alignment with EU ICS2: The move supports the transition to the EU’s ICS2 Release 3 for air transport, which mandates enhanced data quality and timely submission of pre‑loading and pre‑arrival information.
Disclaimer: This article is compiled and summarized by the AI based on publicly available information and is for general information purposes only. It does not constitute any form of formal tax advice, legal opinion, or basis for performance. Please consult a qualified professional tax advisor or legal counsel for tax advice.
Source: Read Official Announcement