Ukrainian seaports are switching to digital rails: automatic data exchange with customs will improve logistics

A new stage of digitalization of maritime logistics has started in Ukraine: the State Customs Service and the Sea Ports Administration of Ukraine have signed an agreement on the integration of two key information systems - the “Single Window for International Trade” and the “Logistics Port System (DocPort)”. This step should be a turning point in simplifying and accelerating customs and port procedures.

According to the press service of the State Customs Service, the unification of the two platforms will allow for the introduction of automatic data exchange between ports and customs without the need for manual entry of information. First of all, this concerns the optimization of the process of registering ship calls and processing cargo arriving in Ukraine by sea.

At the first stage of the project, data on the arrival of ships from the DocPort logistics system will automatically be sent to the information system of customs authorities. This will allow customs officers to start clearance of cargo immediately after the vessel arrives, bypassing the lengthy manual procedures of entering information into the “Single Window”.

The second stage involves even more extensive automation - the exchange of information on the completion of customs clearance. After receiving digital confirmation of passing customs control, cargo will be able to leave the port without the participation of employees, without presenting paper documents and without additional checks at checkpoints. This means a complete digital transformation of the stage of releasing goods from the port.

According to preliminary estimates, the new system will save up to six hours for each vessel during its clearance. This will significantly reduce shipowners' costs, reduce cargo delays and unload port infrastructure, increasing their throughput capacity. As a result, it will have a positive impact on the efficiency of the country's foreign trade.

The introduction of such a technical solution demonstrates Ukraine's desire not only for transparency and simplification of procedures, but also for compliance with European standards of logistics and customs clearance. The initiative has the potential to significantly strengthen the position of Ukrainian ports in the global trade network.