EPCSA Policy Statement - November 2012

EPCSA recognizes the importance of simplification of port processes, and Port Community Systems (PCS) provide a user driven port community solution.

However, so that the impact on trade is limited any changes to requirements in these processes should be kept to a minimum and should reuse any existing infrastructure that already exists.

Port Community Systems provide a means by which Member States can simplify the implementation of Directive 2010/65 by acting as a clearing centre for required information. It also provides the opportunity in Member States where PCS do not currently exist for a Port Authority or relevant competent authority to implement a Port Community System on a national or local basis.

The terms “e-Maritime” and Single window have confused the market in terms of their definitions during the implementation of 2010/65. EPCSA recommends that e-maritime should be refocused as a trade facilitation policy and as simplification of port processes, this will support the sector in providing a clear and simple message with regards to European Commission policy.

EPCSA Recommends;

•  The European Commission should encourage the development of Port Community Systems as an efficient and effective way of simplifying port processes and a means by which the requirements of 2010/65 can be implemented.
•  That the European Commission refocus “e-Maritime” as a Trade Facilitation policy and as a “simplification of port processes” to avoid confusion.
•  Member States should cooperate further to keep the impact of additional administrative burdens for the private sector to a minimum. Business to Business activities should also be outside the scope of the European Commission policy.
•  That any policy adheres to international message standards that are in common use across Europe.