Block 19: Competent Authority Acknowledgement
Block 19: Competent Authority Acknowledgement
← Basel Knowledge Hub/Basel Form Guide/ Block 19
Block 19 – Quick Reference
Competent Authority Acknowledgement of Notification Receipt
Formal confirmation from the competent authority that the notification has been received. Completed by authorities — not by the exporter.
Basel Basis
Article 6(2), Basel Convention; Annex V-A Block 19
Field Type
Authority use only — receipt acknowledgement
Required For
All Basel movements (by the authority)
What Block 19 Captures
Block 19 is exclusively for competent authority use. When a competent authority receives a notification, it stamps or signs Block 19 to formally acknowledge receipt and returns a copy to the notifier. This acknowledgement is not consent — it is simply confirmation that the notification has been received and the review process has begun.
Under the Basel Convention, competent authorities of both the country of import and transit countries issue acknowledgements. Under the OECD Decision, only the country of import issues the acknowledgement.
⚠️
Acknowledgement ≠ Consent
Receiving a Block 19 acknowledgement does not mean the movement is approved. Written consent is provided separately in Block 20. A shipment must not depart on the basis of an acknowledgement alone.
What Exporters Need to Know
Leave Block 19 blank on submission.The authority completes it and returns it to you.
Track acknowledgement receipt dates. If acknowledgement is not received within the legally required period, follow up directly with the competent authority — delays here push back the entire consent timeline.
Retain all acknowledgement copies. They form part of the compliance record for the movement.
Common Errors – Correct Approach
Wrong
Exporter pre-completes Block 19
Correct
Leave blank — this block is for authority use only
Wrong
Treating acknowledgement as consent to proceed
Correct
Wait for written consent in Block 20 before dispatching any shipment
Wrong
Not following up when acknowledgement is overdue
Correct
Contact the competent authority directly if acknowledgement is not received within the expected period
Supporting Documents
- vCOP8 Official Form and Completion Instructions — Block 19– Official Basel Convention form and completion instructions.
💡
DexMetal Expert Tip
The gap between submitting a notification and receiving a Block 19 acknowledgement is your first compliance indicator. A prompt acknowledgement signals the authority has received a complete submission. A delayed or absent acknowledgement often means the notification was returned or is pending a completeness check — follow up early.
← Back to
Block 18: Number of Annexes
Next →
Block 20: Written Consent
Need Help Completing Your Notification?
DexMetal's Basel compliance tools guide you through every block with validation and country-specific guidance.