In the course of the international data processing project ECS/AES (Export Control System / Automated Export System) under the auspices of the European Commission in collaboration
with the EU member states, the German customs administration on January 10, 2005 has commenced activities towards the implementation of export procedures prescribed by customs law in line with the IT process ATLAS, and had implemented the first phase on schedule till August 01, 2006 by the country-wide launch of live operation.

Participation in ATLAS-AES becomes compulsory on July 01, 2009. After that date it is
no longer possible to submit export declarations in paper form (single administrative
document).

Source: www.zoll.de