09 February 2026 | The vulnerable PIN procedure is being switched off at the Port of Hamburg. Freight forwarders must now switch to an encrypted digital system to combat smuggling.

From today, freight forwarders at the Port of Hamburg will have to switch to a new, digital collection system. The PIN alternative, known as a security gap, will be deactivated at important terminals - a blow against drug smuggling and organised crime.

Digital coercion for more harbour security

The changeover is not a voluntary upgrade, but a mandatory measure. The traditional PIN procedure is no longer available at the Eurogate Hamburg terminals and the HHLA terminals Burchardkai and Tollerort with immediate effect. Only at the Altenwerder terminal will the old method remain an exception for the time being. This step forces the entire logistics industry to use the digital Secure Release Order (SRO) via the „German Ports“ platform.

The background to this is the legal requirements of the northern German federal states, which have stipulated a completely PIN-free collection process since October 2025. The IT service providers DAKOSY and dbh Logistics IT are driving the implementation forward. The goal is clear: to close the security gaps in the old system.

Source: AdHoc News

Picture: boerse-global.de