01 October 2025 | On 1 October 2025, a new procedure for the digital release of import containers will be introduced in the German seaports of Hamburg, Bremerhaven and Wilhelmshaven: Secure Release Order (SRO). It will replace the previous PIN-based procedure in the future.

From this point on, shipping companies can release their containers PIN-free and transmit the digital collection authorisation to German Ports. From there, the pick-up authorisation will be passed on to the parties involved and will replace the previous exemption references. For companies that are not yet participating in the SRO procedure, it will still be possible to "downgrade to PIN" during a transitional phase so that they can continue to work with the previous method.

Source: IHK Regensburg for Upper Palatinate / Kelheim