Mandatory electronic information exchange in effect

The requirement is part of a package of amendments under the revised annex to the IMO’s FAL Convention adopted in 2016.

   A mandatory requirement took effect Monday for national governments to introduce electronic information between ships and ports in an effort to make cross-border trade simpler and the supply chain more efficient.
   The requirement is part of a package of amendments under the revised annex to the IMO’s Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic (FAL Convention) adopted in 2016. The Facilitation Convention encourages the use of a “single window” for the exchange of data via a single point of contact to allow for the streamlining of procedures via electronic systems for information related to the arrival, stay and departure of the ship and data on its crew, passengers and cargo, according to IMO.
   There is a provision for a transitional period of at least 12 months during which paper and electronic documents are allowed.
   “The new FAL Convention requirement for all public authorities to establish systems for the electronic exchange of information related to maritime transport marks a significant move in the maritime industry and ports towards a digital maritime world, reducing the administrative burden and increasing the efficiency of maritime trade and transport,” said IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim in a statement.
   IMO has developed standardized forms for seven documents of which public authorities can demand of a ship, which include the IMO general declaration, cargo declaration, ship’s stores declaration, crew’s effects declaration, crew/passenger list and dangerous goods. 
   Five other documents on security, ship wastes and advanced electronic cargo information for customs risk assessment purposes also are required, in addition to two more under the Universal Postal Convention and International Health Regulations.
   All national authorities now should prepare to have provisions for the electronic exchange of this information under the new requirement, IMO said.
   The requirement came into effect as IMO’s Facilitation Committee met for its 43rd session. Agenda items included work to standardization of electronic messages and an update on an IMO single window project implemented in Antigua and Barbuda with Norway’s support.
   “The source code developed for the system established in Antigua and Barbuda will be made available to other interested member states,” IMO said.
   The FAL Convention, adopted in 1965, has 121 contracting governments and contains standards and recommended practices and rules for simplifying formalities, documentary requirements and procedures on a ship’s arrival, stay and departure.