Facilitation deal

Mandatory requirements for the electronic exchange of information on cargo, crew and passengers have been adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), as part of a revised and modernised annex to the Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic, harmonising procedures for ship’s arrival, stay and departure from port. The new standard relating to the obligation of public authorities to establish systems for the electronic exchange of information, within a period of three years after the adoption of the amendments, is among changes in the revised Annex, expected to enter into force on 1 January 2018. There will be a transitional period of 12 months to make electronic transmission mandatory, during which time paper and electronic documents will be allowed.