Important change in the import release process for containers at German ports
Starting on 1 October 2025, all companies that receive import containers and manage or issue release authorizations need to register with German Ports, a joint project by DAKOSY and dbh Logistics.
Based on new legislation introduced by the federal states of Hamburg, Bremen and Lower Saxony, the digital process aims to standardize procedures at German ports and terminals, strengthen security, and thereby prevent improper use of release information.
What is changing in the process?
As of 1 October 2025, companies that are not registered will no longer be able to receive or process import releases.
Furthermore, the existing PIN- or turn-out-based release process will be replaced by the new, digital “German Ports Secure Release Order“. With this, the import release process will be managed in a standardized, digital form via German Ports. This change applies to full containers; empty containers will continue to be released via the existing manual process.
The implementation of this new process is an important step towards digitalization of port processes. All parties involved must be registered at German Ports to ensure uninterrupted import operations when shipping goods to Germany. Please be aware that the registration process takes time. We therefore recommend registering immediately. You can find further information at German Ports.