As of April 14, the registration phase for the digital exemption procedure for container imports via the seaports of Hamburg, Bremerhaven, and Wilhelmshaven has started, according to a press release. Forwarding agencies, logistics, and transport companies can thus register for participation through the German Ports website.
The aim of the new service is to effectively counteract drug import smuggling with a secure release procedure, it is said. Behind the project are the Port Community Systems (PCS) of the seaports and the software providers DBH Logistics IT and Dakosy, who developed the new digital procedure in collaboration with the port industry and operate it together on the German Ports platform.
The procedure will become mandatory later
The new release procedure is expected to be mandatory for all companies involved in import processes from October 1, 2025.
In this context, Dakosy project manager Sven Reimers recommends timely registration:
"Forwarding and transport companies should plan sufficient time to realize the technical connection and try out the new processes during the test phase that will start shortly."
According to the provider, companies can connect their own IT systems via open interfaces, use their existing digital accesses via the PCS platforms of Dakosy ("IMP") or DBH ("BIT"), or handle the releases via the German Ports web platform.
“Digital Right to Collect” instead of PIN Procedure
The new release procedure is based on the “digital right to collect,” which replaces the previous PIN-based release reference. The new “digital right” is intended to ensure that from the sea-side arrival of the container at the port to its collection by the transport company, it is always traceable who is authorized to control the container. The release of the container with the “digital right” can only be executed from one authorized party to the next. “An important prerequisite is that companies align their internal processes with the new release process,” Reimers emphasizes. The next online information event on the new release process and the future “digital right to collect” takes place on April 24 from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM.
