CMA CGM has confirmed new manifest-matching rules will hit three German ports this summer, tightening transhipment compliance.
The changes stem from ATLAS Release 10.1, an update to the German Customs Administration (Zoll)’s Automated Tariff and Local Customs Clearance System, the platform used for all import, export and transit declarations in Germany, introduced as part of the EU’s ongoing customs modernisation drive.
Under the new rules, cargo transhipped through German ports will only be cleared for onward loading once export and import manifest data fully match.
The requirement applies to all maritime cargo transhipped via Germany, regardless of carrier, covering feeder and mother vessel movements operated by CMA CGM, its partner lines, or third-party feeder operators.
Before any transhipment cargo is loaded onto an outbound vessel, Zoll will reconcile the export manifest against the import manifest already filed for the inbound leg; only fully matching shipments will be released.
According to CMA CGM’s advisory, the changes go live on 21 June 2026 at Bremerhaven (DEBRV) and Wilhelmshaven (DEWVN), followed by Hamburg (DEHAM) on 1 July 2026.
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The carrier has urged customers to prepare accordingly. Shipping instructions must be submitted complete and accurate, within existing documentation cut-offs. CMA CGM stressed that Zoll is applying a strict rule: no documents, no load.
CMA CGM warned that any mismatch between import and export manifest data could result in legal liability, customs holds, delays, detention, fines and storage costs, expenses that would fall to the customer requesting the amendment.
The carrier said amendments submitted after shipping instructions are filed should be avoided wherever possible.
The advisory reflects a broader tightening of EU customs and security frameworks, and signals that German terminals will have little tolerance for documentation gaps once enforcement begins.
For more information:
CMA CGM – https://www.cma-cgm.com/
