As of October 1, 2025, the digital release procedure for container imports via the IT platform German Ports is set to go into operation — under the name Secure Release Order (SRO).
Previous Release Process
According to Dakosy, a PIN-based release procedure was previously used: The shipping line authorized the forwarder with a reference to pick up the container at the terminal. This PIN was then usually forwarded by the forwarder to the subcontractor, who may have passed it to another subcontractor — until the PIN finally reached the pickup truck driver.
Each participant in the respective transport chain thus knew the release reference for picking up a container. At the same time, the terminal also gained knowledge of this release reference.
Digital Right to Pickup
However, the future release process is based on the “digital right to pickup.” This is intended to ensure that—from the sea-side
arrival of the container at the port to its pickup by the transport company—at all times—also historically—it is traceable who is authorized to possess the container.
The release of the container can therefore only be carried out by an authorized party to the next. At pickup, a digital check should take place to determine whether the respective transport company is authorized. On-site, the “digital right to pickup” can only be exercised by drivers who are assigned to the transport company.
Phased Introduction
The German seaports Hamburg, Bremerhaven and Wilhelmshaven want to collectively better protect container imports and also curb drug smuggling, according to Dakosy. For this, the complete authorization chain will be digitally mapped in a closed system.
The process becomes mandatory for shipowners, terminal operators, freight forwarders, and transport companies. In the new digital, closed release procedure, the IT platform from German Ports, a joint project
of the Port Community Systems (PCS) by Dakosy and Dbh Logistics IT, is used. The introduction of the new procedure takes place in three stages, according to the platform operators.
"The introduction of Secure Release Order marks a significant advance in the digital handling of import processes in German ports. To ensure that all participants can prepare optimally, we deliberately chose a phased rollout," explains Marco Molitor, Chairman of Dbh Logistics IT.
Dakosy Chairman Ulrich Wrage notes that the German seaports belong to critical infrastructure. According to him, the focus is therefore on a particularly reliable and secure approach. The goal is to enable all stakeholders to transition safely and to strengthen the resilience of import processes sustainably.
Stages 1 to 3
The first stage is to begin on October 1, 2025 with the shipping lines, which will then release their containers PIN-free in the ports of
Hamburg, Bremerhaven and Wilhelmshaven via the IT platform German Ports. In a second stage by November 2, 2025, active onboarding of freight forwarders, importers and carriers will take place.
On November 3, 2025, the third stage will commence and thus the binding introduction of the complete SRO process for all import participants initially at two terminals (one in Hamburg and one in Bremerhaven or Wilhelmshaven).
From November 17 onward, the phased commissioning of the SRO at all further terminals will take place. The German Ports website shows when which terminal will be put into operation. The aim is to enable a gradual and smooth market launch for all participants — regardless of size, role, or degree of digitization, Dakosy notes.
With the phased introduction, all participants should have the opportunity to become familiar with the new release process and the digital pickup right and to securely implement
