What is a PIN/BIN and why is it important for using Import Filing: ATLAS?

The abbreviation "PIN/BIN" stands for "Participant Identification Number." This number consists of 25 digits and is assigned upon request by the ATLAS Participant Management Center in Dresden, among others.

This number acts as a kind of ‘password’ in ATLAS and can be used to digitally sign customs documents. It should therefore be kept confidential. AEB's solutions store this number securely and use your PIN/BIN wherever necessary.

PIN/BIN or PIN/BIN? – Message transmission or deferral account

Unfortunately, the term PIN/BIN is not clearly defined by customs authorities. In practice, there are two PIN/BIN numbers that may be required and assigned. Unfortunately, these numbers are similar and can easily be confused. We therefore distinguish between:

• Message transmission PIN/BIN
  The PIN/BIN for message transmission depends on your EORI and branch number and is essentially the password for your ATLAS communication. This PIN/BIN entitles you to participate in ATLAS message traffic and is mandatory for using Import Filing: ATLAS.
• Deferral PIN/BIN
  The deferral PIN/BIN authenticates the use of a customs and/or VAT deferral account with customs. If you would like to use customs declarations with deferred payment, apply for a deferral account with customs and you will receive a deferral recipient ID card with this deferral PIN/BIN.

Although both numbers are commonly referred to as PIN/BINs, they are not related and are not interchangeable. To use Import Filing: ATLAS, you must have a message transmission PIN/BIN.

Message transmission PIN/BIN

The PIN/BIN for message transmission is requested using form 0872 and is permanently linked to your EORI and branch number. If your EORI or branch number changes, you will need a new PIN/BIN.

If you can no longer find your PIN/BIN, AEB will have to apply for a new one for you, however, this will invalidate your current PIN/BIN. You may need to obtain authorisation from the customs administration in Dresden for the electronic advance transmission of your PIN/BIN.

The 25-digit PIN/BIN is entered on the PIN/BIN tab of the declarant's or representative's Company in Import Filing: ATLAS. For better traceability, you can view the last 6 digits of the PIN/BIN.

• To ensure smooth customs communication, AEB will take care of any necessary PIN/BIN changes and new applications for import filing: ATLAS. 
  Please note that new applications are subject to a fee.

Deferral PIN/BIN

If you have agreed a deferral of payment of import duties with your main customs office, you will need a deferral participant identification number (deferral PIN/BIN). The deferral PIN/BIN replaces the participant's signature in the ATLAS IT procedure. It must be provided each time the deferral account is used. A deferral PIN/BIN is required for each deferral account stored under an EORI number.

You can enter the deferral PIN/BIN yourself in Import Filing: ATLAS. Go to Master Data > Deferral Accounts and click the New button.

You can apply for a deferral PIN/BIN using form 0873.