Home
Facilitating the establishment of systems to ensure electronic exchange of information is vital to the modernisation of shipping and facilitating trade. Avoiding duplication and parallel reporting systems by developing a robust Maritime Single Window (MSW) system is an important element and reduces administrative burdens both for ship masters as well as maritime and port administrations.
The International Maritime Organization Facilitation Committee (IMO FAL) has adopted new mandatory requirements on Electronic Data Interchange in resolution FAL.12(40), amendments to the Annex to the Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic, 1965 (FAL Convention). According to the new standard 1.3bis, Public Authorities have to establish systems for the electronic exchange of information by 8 April 2019. A period of no less than 12 months for transition to the mandatory use of the systems shall be provided from the date of the introduction of such systems.
The developments of such systems is both complex and costly and the FAL Committee has encouraged States advanced in Maritime Single Window (MSW) implementation to cooperate in exchanging know-how and experiences with other Member States seeking assistance in developing their MSW.
