Germany’s North Sea ports have entered the final phase of their digital import container release process, requiring all transport companies and truck drivers to be connected to the German Ports IT platform.
Pick-up now demands a valid digital authorisation, allowing terminals to verify credentials in real time and creating a seamless digital workflow from container arrival to terminal exit.
The procedure, known as the Secure Release Order (SRO), has been fully integrated into operations across Germany’s North Sea ports.
Marco Molitor, Chairman of the Board at dbh, said: “Thanks to this standardised procedure covering all ports, the North Sea ports are united in their efforts to combat drug smuggling. 99 per cent of container handling is already being carried out via German Ports. The step-by-step transition process which has been implemented since 1 October 2025, has ensured a smooth changeover, with uninterrupted cargo handling being the top priority.”
Digital pick-up authorisation becomes mandatory from 23 March in Hamburg and 25 March in Bremerhaven, in line with federal state regulations.
Pick-ups at Eurogate and HHLA terminals in both ports will only be possible with a valid authorisation.
Wilhelmshaven remains under a transitional provision until the Lower Saxony Port Security Act comes into effect.
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Operational changes include mandatory slot bookings linked to pick-up authorisation and automated verification of driver credentials through IDP systems such as ImpalaID, CONROO, or Passify.
To ensure a smooth transition, Ulrich Wrage, DAKOSY board member, advised companies to confirm that drivers are correctly registered and identified in the IDP systems and that each organisation is registered with German Ports.
“Our process does not focus solely on the release; rather, it seamlessly integrates all parties involved in a container import into the new standard in a way that is transparent and traceable,” Wrage added.
The platform now supports over 15,000 users and is operated by Germany’s leading port IT providers, DAKOSY in Hamburg and dbh in Bremen.
The mandatory pick-up authorisation marks the final step in a process that began in September 2025, when German port operators launched a phased digital release system for container imports.
For more information:
Port of Hamburg – https://www.hafen-hamburg.de/
