The release PIN code — long a target for criminal interception at the terminal — is gone for Rotterdam imports. Since 3 February 2025, the Portbase Secure Chain is mandatory for collecting all import containers, from all origins: release authorisation now flows digitally down a verified chain of parties instead of a code that can be stolen.
What it means in practice: your forwarder must be inside the secure chain to collect your containers at all. From 1 July 2025, Portbase charges agents €0.50 per released container. It is one of the most significant operational changes for anyone importing through Rotterdam.
Read the full guide: Portbase — the Port Community System. Nexport Logistics is connected to Portbase and inside the Secure Chain, so your containers are collected cleanly.
Source: Portbase — Secure Chain.