Explanatory manual to the FAL Convention issued by IMO

The International Maritime Organization has issued a revised explanatory manual to the FAL Convention.

This document was published on 29 April 2024.

This manual provides guidance, interpretations, practical application methods, and best practice examples for the provisions of the annex to the Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic, 1965, including amendments adopted on 17 March 2023, effective from 1 January 2025.

The document offers guidance and requirements for shipowners and public authorities concerning the arrival, stay, and departure of ships engaged in international maritime traffic. It underscores the importance of electronic information transmission and developing standardized systems for information exchange.

A key point in the document is the necessity for shipowners to submit various declarations, such as the General Declaration, Cargo Declaration, and Crew List, electronically. It encourages adherence to internationally agreed standards for electronic information exchange.

The document stresses the need for pre-arrival and pre-departure information, including security-related and advance cargo information, with specified timelines to ensure efficient clearance processes.

For cargo, the document highlights the need for effective coordination and communication between public authorities and industry. It emphasizes the importance of specialized storage facilities, simplified cargo clearance procedures, and limiting shipowner responsibilities.

Regarding passengers and crew, the document addresses passport requirements, streamlined clearance procedures, and special facilities for elderly and disabled passengers. It also stresses facilitating shore leave for crew members.

The document references the Explanatory Manual to the Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic, which provides guidance and interpretations to help understand the Convention's provisions.

Additionally, the document highlights the importance of cooperation between public authorities, shipowners, and other concerned parties to combat illicit activities. It encourages the establishment of cooperative arrangements and the use of risk management techniques to enhance border control and target smuggling activities. It also emphasizes the need for confidentiality when sharing sensitive commercial and other information.

For more information, please see the document below (available only to subscribers):