ATLAS (Automated Tariff and Local Customs Clearance System) is the central IT procedure used by the German customs administration for electronic customs declarations, a system whose outages are also regularly reported by the customs administration itself. It is shut down completely for planned updates, most recently for almost three days. In the event of a disruption, a fallback procedure using a paper customs declaration is normally activated. However, this procedure has itself been temporarily unavailable, meaning that customs declarations were possible neither through the regular system nor through the fallback process.
What ATLAS means for customs declarations in Germany
- Electronic declaration through this system is mandatory throughout the EU, under Article 6(1) of the Union Customs Code, regardless of the mode of transport.
- Only a few exceptions are permitted, such as oral declarations for travellers or consignments worth up to 1,000 euros.
- When an officially recognised disruption occurs, a fallback concept takes effect and the declaration is submitted in writing using the Single Administrative Document.
Why an outage of this customs system can bring shipments to a standstill
Both planned maintenance and unplanned disruptions have noticeable practical consequences.
- A ticket number is required to use the fallback concept, and must be requested from the customs administration data centre’s service desk.
- Every manually recorded process must be entered later, creating a significant administrative burden for the companies affected.
- If the fallback procedure itself also fails completely, neither regular nor replacement customs declarations can temporarily be submitted, as has already happened.
Why an Onboard Courier cannot fix an ATLAS outage
This is the honest point we address openly: an Onboard Courier has no influence over a government IT system and cannot replace a customs declaration required by law. If nothing works during a system disruption, including the fallback procedure, a shipment must remain where it is until customs confirms that normal operations have resumed.
Where OBC ONE actually helps during an ATLAS disruption
- Goods already properly declared or cleared that can physically continue moving despite the IT disruption.
- Small consignments for travellers or worth up to 1,000 euros for which an oral or implied declaration is sufficient.
- Paper documents relating to the fallback procedure, such as the Single Administrative Document with its ticket number, which must be transported personally between the company and the customs office.
How OBC ONE steps in when ATLAS causes a delay
A typical OBC ONE operation runs in six steps, which usually overlap to save time.
- Request and quote. You tell us what is missing, where it must go and by when. OBC ONE provides a complete quote in under 15 minutes.
- Courier deployment. A vetted courier near the place of origin is sent out immediately.
- Secure collection. The shipment or document is collected directly from the sender and checked.
- Personal accompaniment during transport. The courier carries it in the cabin on every flight segment.
- Direct delivery. Handover takes place directly to the recipient or the local customs office.
- Proof of delivery. A time-stamped confirmation for your records.
Why freight forwarders choose OBC ONE during ATLAS disruptions
Choosing the right partner for an urgent shipment starts with the business model. Many specialised couriers sell directly to end customers, putting them in competition with the freight forwarders who would otherwise commission them. OBC ONE is deliberately structured differently: we work exclusively for and with freight forwarders and time-critical departments. We never approach your customers directly and never compete with you.
This partner model is based on genuine operational experience. OBC ONE was founded by an Onboard Courier who himself flew around three million kilometres over more than six years, so the network understands exactly where real help is possible during an ATLAS disruption and where a legally required customs declaration remains indispensable. Freight forwarders rely on us because we provide:
- A complete quote in under 15 minutes, around the clock, 365 days a year.
- More than 1,500 vetted couriers, positioned at major hubs worldwide.
- Genuine door-to-door coverage, including import and export customs clearance and Importer of Record service in most markets.
- IATA-certified Dangerous Goods expertise for shipments that require it.
- Specialisation in Onboard Courier and Hand Carry for time-critical operations at the highest level.
How to choose the right partner for a disruption
- An honest assessment of what an Onboard Courier can actually do during a system outage, rather than false promises to bypass a legal customs obligation.
- Fast, transparent quotes, ideally with a named dispatcher.
- Genuine network density at major hubs, so the courier does not first have to travel there.
- Experience with urgent paper documents, especially during a fallback procedure involving a ticket number.
- A pure freight-forwarder partner model, so your delivery partner never becomes your competitor.
Frequently asked questions
What exactly is ATLAS?
The Automated Tariff and Local Customs Clearance System, the German customs administration’s central IT procedure for electronic customs declarations.
What happens if the system fails?
When an officially recognised disruption occurs, a fallback concept takes effect, with a written declaration using the Single Administrative Document and a ticket number from the service desk.
Does the fallback procedure always work?
Not guaranteed. During major disruptions, the fallback procedure itself has also temporarily been unavailable, meaning that no declarations could be submitted at all.
Can an Onboard Courier bypass an ATLAS disruption?
No. An Onboard Courier has no influence over the government system. The courier can help with goods already cleared, small consignments qualifying for an exception, or urgent paper documents.
Do you sell directly to shippers or buyers?
No. OBC ONE works exclusively for and with freight forwarders and time-critical departments. We act as a white-label partner and never approach our customers’ customers directly.
Get an urgent shipment moving within 15 minutes despite an ATLAS disruption
If, as a freight forwarder, you need to deliver an already cleared shipment or an urgent fallback-procedure document during an ATLAS disruption, request your complete quote now and let our team dispatch the nearest vetted courier within 15 minutes, around the clock, 365 days a year.