The amendments to the Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic (FAL Convention), effective from January 1, 2018, have a new requirement for national governments to introduce electronic information exchange, including electronic data interchange (EDI), to transmit information related to maritime transport. This should be in place by April 8, 2019, with provision for a transitional period of at least 12 months during which paper and electronic documents would be allowed.
Use of a “single window” for data is encouraged, to enable all the information required by public authorities in connection with the arrival, stay and departure of ships, persons and cargo, to be submitted via a single portal, without duplication.
In addition, a number of standard forms, standards and recommended practices relating to stowaways have been updated.
The FAL Convention has 118 contracting states.
