Aas part of the amendment to the Port Security Act, a new procedure will become mandatory from October 1, 2025.
To this end, German Ports has developed a procedure called “Secure Release Order,” which must be applied.
Firstly, we would like to provide you with our German Ports ID so that we can forward or transfer exemption rights:German Ports ID: DE286002586000000
In order to ensure a smooth transition for all parties involved and at the same time strengthen the resilience of import processes in the long term, the changeover will take place in stages as outlined below:
-> starting October 1, 2025:
Start of the SRO implementatition with the shipping companies.
for all other process participants, a "downgrade to PIN" remains temporarily possible, so that the PIN-based process can continue to be used until November 2, 2025.
-> the period up to November 2, 2025:
will be actively used for the onboarding of participants (freight forwarders, importers and carriers).
-> from November 3, 2025:
Mandatory start of the full SRO process for all import participants at two smaller terminals (one in Hamburg and one in Bremerhaven or Wilhelmshaven).
-> from November 17, 2025:
Gradual commissioning of all other terminals. Detailed planning for when each terminal will be commissioned will follow.
The implementation process described above was developed in close consultation with the relevant authorities and can be viewed in detail on the German Ports website.
To ensure a smooth transition, we ask that you actively use the remaining time for onboarding and preparation.
Secondly, we are obliged to introduce a "Secure Release Order (SRO) surcharge" of € 5,00 per imported loaded container from the loading date October 1, 2025.
This surcharge is being introduced on a mandatory basis to compensate for the costs incurred in connection with the use of the “German Ports” platform and to cover the increased administrative costs.
The surcharge applies to all imported loaded containers handled via German seaports.
If you have any questions about this matter, please do not hesitate to contact your usual contact person at our company.