FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently asked questions about the German Ports Secure Release Order
Contents
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General
The German Ports Secure Release Order is a joint project between DAKOSY Datenkommunikationssystem AG and dbh Logistics IT AG.
Together, the two system integrators provide the German Ports Platform, through which collection authorisations and exemption information for the German seaports of Hamburg, Bremerhaven and Wilhelmshaven are processed digitally.
The German Ports Secure Release Order is a joint project between DAKOSY Datenkommunikationssystem AG and dbh Logistics IT AG.
Together, the two system integrators provide the German Ports Platform, through which collection authorisations and exemption information for the German seaports of Hamburg, Bremerhaven and Wilhelmshaven are processed digitally.
German Ports is aimed at companies involved in the import process for full containers. These include, in particular, shipping lines, terminal operators, freight forwarders and logistics providers.
TMS and software providers can also connect to German Ports as service providers for these companies.
No, a collection authorisation via German Ports is only required for full containers that are processed via the standard import procedure.
The German Ports process includes collection by lorry, rail and inland waterway vessel. Feeder-
and transhipment services are not currently integrated.
In German Ports, a collection authorisation represents the authorisation to collect a container and replaces the previous clearance reference or the PIN procedure.
This makes the handover of containers safer, more traceable and more standardised.
A collection authorisation is generated in German Ports as soon as a corresponding release is submitted – for example, via COREOR, Release Order XML or via the REST interface.
Alternatively, the collection authorisation can be created via the web interface.
The shipping company awards the first collection right to the designated first rights holder, such as a freight forwarder or logistics provider. The unique allocation is made via the German Ports ID.
Following the release by the shipping company, the right of collection is transferred to the first rights holder.
The holder may exercise the collection right themselves or transfer it to another company. For the final collection, the party collecting the goods must be clearly identified and linked to the collection right.
Yes, a shipping company can cancel a collection authorisation. This will then automatically become invalid in German Ports, and all subsequent parties involved will be notified.
Every company registered with German Ports is assigned a unique German Ports ID. This is used to link a collection authorisation to the correct rights holder.
Depending on the connection type, the German Ports ID can, for example, be specified via COREOR, Release Order XML, the REST interface or the web interface.
Partner codes are customer numbers under which freight forwarders are registered with a shipping line. If the shipping line grants collection authorisations via partner codes, freight forwarders must request their partner code from the shipping line and link it to their German Ports ID.
You can find out how to register partner codes in our tutorials.
Legacy codes are user codes for the respective in-house systems of dbh and/or DAKOSY, for example for the CODIS application or slot booking. They are required when verifying a collection authorisation via these in-house systems against German Ports.
Anyone who neither books slots nor is registered in CODIS and does not use these systems does not have any legacy codes. In this case, no registration is required.
How legacy code is stored is in our tutorials explained.
The status „Pending Inspection“ means that an inspection is scheduled for the container and the collection authorisation has been temporarily suspended. Whilst this status remains in place, the collection authorisation cannot be amended.
Here they can comment on security-related reports and suspected incidents.
The German Ports web interface can be accessed via the direct Link to the German Ports Platform available.
Registration & Integration
Registration is carried out via the German Ports registration page. The necessary details about the company are first submitted there.
Once the details have been checked, the relevant contract documents will be provided. German Ports can be used as soon as the necessary contracts have been signed and the technical set-up or activation has been completed.
No, registration is the first step. You can start using German Ports as soon as the necessary contract with DAKOSY and/or dbh has been finalised and the technical set-up or activation has been completed.
No, first of all, the company is registered with German Ports.
The designated admin users can then set up and manage further branches and user accounts in the German Ports web interface.
Further information on setting this up can be found in the relevant user guide. –> Link
Two admin users can be set up per client.
If an admin user is to be changed, the new user must first be created. Support must then be informed which user is to be granted admin rights.
If two admin users have already been set up, you must also specify which user’s admin rights are to be revoked.
That depends on how the cooperation between the consignee and the freight forwarder has been agreed and who is granted and manages the right to collect the goods. Of particular relevance here is who, according to the assignment agreement, is to assume the right of indemnity.
The consignee manages the right to collect the goods themselves:
If the consignee obtains the right to collect the goods directly from German Ports and, for example, merely instructs a haulage contractor to collect them, the consignee must be registered with German Ports.
A service provider manages the right to collection:
If, for example, a haulage contractor assumes liability in its own name and the right to collect goods is transferred to the haulage contractor on the basis of an assignment agreement, registration of the haulage contractor is sufficient.
The key factor is the allocation of roles as set out in the contract. As a general rule, the company that is to be granted and manage the right to collect must be registered.
German Ports does not administer any assignment agreements and is not a party to the underlying contractual arrangements.
German Ports can be used in different ways depending on the role and technical process:
Interface integration: Your own IT systems can be integrated via various interfaces. Depending on the role and process, options such as EDI, XML and REST are available.
Existing systems and applications: In certain processes, German Ports can be integrated via systems and applications that are already in use.
Web interface: Registered companies can also use German Ports via the web interface. Various functions are available there, depending on the user’s role.
No, German Ports can be accessed both via an interface and via the Web interface be used.
Full details of the costs associated with using German Ports can be found on the pricing page.
German Ports is secured at several levels. These include, amongst other things, tried-and-tested
Cloud and Azure mechanisms such as redundancy, regular backups with recovery options, as well as continuous monitoring and a rapid response in the event of a fault.
Further information, documentation, user guides and tutorials can be found on the Tutorial page.
If you have any further questions, please use the contact details on the Contact page available.
Shipping company
Yes, to ensure that a collection right can be clearly assigned and transferred, the relevant rights holders must be registered with and linked to German Ports.
In the case of carrier and merchant haulage containers, the right of collection may be transferred to a rights holder.
If no rights holder is specified or if the carrier-haulage flag is set in the release, the right of collection remains with the shipping company.
If the collection authorisation is to be transferred to a subcontractor or a branch, their German Ports ID can be entered. Alternatively, the carrier haulage process can be initiated via the web interface.
Here Click here for the tutorial „Creating collection authorisations“
Yes, depending on the connection type, the expiry date can be changed via an update using COREOR, a Release Order XML or via the REST connection.
Alternatively, the change can be made via the web interface. The current rights holder will be notified of the change.
Here Click here for the tutorial „Modifying collection rights“
Existing collection authorisations can be revoked via the web interface and then reallocated.
If the terminal changes, the existing exemption must first be cancelled. A new exemption is then created for the new terminal.
In the web interface, the existing collection authorisation is cancelled and a new collection authorisation is then created with the amended terminal.
If a container is to be transported outside the terminal for an inspection and then returned, the shipping company’s consent is required.
The shipping company must confirm the „Pending Inspection“ status or authorise the setting of this status in advance. Without this authorisation, the terminal cannot organise the relevant shipment.
The German Ports IDs of all registered companies are available on the German Ports web interface and can be downloaded from there. Shipping companies can use this list to map the German Ports IDs to their own internal IDs.
The list is intended solely for this purpose by shipping companies. No such mapping is provided for other organisations.
If it is not possible to assign the matter to a specific technical or organisational department, please contact the German Ports team to discuss alternative solutions.
Forwarding agency
Firstly, the company must complete the registration process with German Ports. At this stage, it can already specify how it intends to use German Ports.
The relevant contract documents will then be provided. Once the contract has been finalised, dbh and/or DAKOSY will carry out the set-up. German Ports can then be used.
Firstly, the company must complete the registration process with German Ports. At this stage, it can already specify how it intends to use German Ports.
The relevant contract documents will then be provided. Once the contract has been finalised, dbh and/or DAKOSY will carry out the set-up. German Ports can then be used.
Yes, a contract with DAKOSY is required for use in Hamburg. A contract with dbh is required for use in Bremerhaven and/or Wilhelmshaven.
Anyone wishing to use German Ports at all three German seaports will therefore need contracts with DAKOSY and dbh.
As soon as a company is granted the right to collect goods, it may either exercise this right or pass it on. No additional authorisation is required.
As the rights holder, you may, depending on your authorisation, transfer, withdraw or return a collection right, or exercise it yourself.
Depending on the connection, these functions can be carried out via an interface or the web interface.
Further information can be found in the User Guide.
A subcontractor can be searched for using their German Ports ID, VAT number or company name.
A search function is available for this purpose in the web interface. Only companies registered with German Ports are displayed there.
Is it possible to assign a collection authorisation to several logistics providers at the same time?
No, a collection authorisation can only ever be passed on to one logistics provider.
The collection authorisation can be withdrawn using the „Withdraw collection authorisation“ function.
As a result, the logistics provider loses the right to collect the goods, which is returned to the previous holder of that right.
Yes, as long as the right to collect the goods has not yet been exercised, it can be withdrawn –
even if it has already been transferred to other rights holders. In such cases, the right to reclaim the work reverts to the rights holder who is withdrawing it.
No, a rights holder can only see from whom the collection right was received and to whom it was passed on.
Yes, the company that originally granted the exemption – for example, a shipping company – may withdraw or cancel the right to collect the goods, provided it has not yet been exercised.
Freight forwarding – Lorry
Several conditions must be met in order for a container to be collected:
- The company booking the slot must hold a valid collection authorisation for German ports.
- On arrival at the terminal, the driver must provide clear proof of identity. Depending on the terminal, identification is carried out via an IDP system, such as CONROO, Passify or ImpalaID.
- The data required for collection is processed via German Ports.
Yes, provided that the relevant IDP system supports this, a driver can be assigned to several registered companies. For example, a driver can be authorised to work for several companies via CONROO, Passify or ImpalaID.
German Ports itself does not manage any driver data.
Whether German Ports is required to use TruckGATE depends on the specific process. Full details on how TruckGATE and German Ports work together can be found in the relevant FAQs on the TruckGATE website.
Yes, the familiar processes in TruckGATE will remain in place.
To book a slot, the authorised driver must first be registered in German Ports. Authorised users from the relevant company can carry out this registration in German Ports.
The slot booking can then be made as usual via TruckGATE.
At TruckGATE, the container can only be collected by the driver for whom the relevant slot was booked.
Before setting off, you must ensure that the driver you have booked is listed in the pick-up authorisation with the correct CONROO, Passify or Impala ID.
When there is a change of driver, a new slot must be booked in TruckGATE.
If the booking company does not have a valid collection authorisation for the container, the slot booking will be rejected by the system.
The terminal system checks whether a valid collection authorisation exists. If this is not the case, an error message appears and the booking cannot be completed.
A last-minute change of driver is generally possible, provided that the necessary conditions are met and the collection authorisation is active.
The new driver must provide valid proof of identity at the terminal via an IDP system and be registered with the haulage company there.
Important: This rule does not apply to TruckGATE. With TruckGATE, a suitable slot must be booked for the new driver.
The slot becomes technically invalid and a new booking must be made by the new rights holder. The system checks again at check-in at the terminal. If the valid pick-up authorisation is missing, access is denied.
Freight forwarding – Rail
In addition, the necessary legacy codes – in particular carrier codes (CARCO) and CODIS codes – must be entered in the German Ports web interface. Missing or incorrectly entered codes may result in the readiness notification not being technically processed.
No, in the railway proceedings, the right of collection is assessed at the level of the relevant legal entity, not at the level of the natural person – the train driver.
This feature is due to be activated at a later date. The launch date will be announced in good time, in consultation with the terminals.
Freight forwarding – inland waterway vessel
No, in inland waterway proceedings, the right of collection is assessed at the level of the relevant legal entity, not at the level of the natural person – the captain.
Terminal
If a terminal is instructed to transport a container to a CPA (container inspection facility), the shipping line must either actively confirm the status change to „Pending Inspection“ or authorise the terminal in advance to set this status.
This additional confirmation serves as a further safety measure and is intended to prevent such a special process from being initiated without the shipping company’s consent.
During official inspections, it may be necessary for the terminal to become active.
If a terminal is instructed to transport a container outside the terminal grounds to a CPA or VET, the shipping line must either confirm the „Pending Inspection“ status or authorise the terminal in advance to set this status.
Without this consent, the terminal cannot organise the transport.