English
Back to overview

2025-11-25

IRP at your fingertips
IRP at your fingertips

Scaling up and go-live of the Inbound Release Platform in December 2025

Port of Antwerp-Bruges, NxtPort and The Way Forward announce the full go-live of the Inbound Release Platform (IRP), the digital platform that supports the port community in implementing the new European customs legislation for incoming goods. After an extensive test phase with terminals, shipping agents and logistics players, IRP will be further scaled up in almost all segments in the coming weeks: containers, RoRo, ferry and breakbulk.

Key highlights

  • Inbound Release Platform from Port of Antwerp-Bruges, NxtPort and The Way Forward supports the new European customs process PN/TS for incoming goods.
  • After an extensive testing phase, volumes are being scaled up across all cargo flows, from transhipment and import to local shipments.
  • PN/TS will replace the current PLDA customs system by 31 January at the latest, requiring all players to make the switch.

Central link in transition to new customs framework

IRP serves as the digital link between customs and shipping agents, terminal operators, declarants, and logistics service providers in the mandatory transition to PN/TS, the new European customs framework for registering and controlling incoming goods. PN/TS will replace the current PLDA customs system by 31 January 2026 at the latest. IRP streamlines and automates the exchange of data for customs declarations, shipping company information and terminal release, enabling all parties to collaborate in a uniform and secure manner.

Solid operational presence in all Belgian seaports

IRP has been active in all Belgian seaports since its launch in April 2025. Meanwhile, 11 terminals in Zeebrugge, Ghent, and Antwerp are now fully operational, with 219,000 unloading messages processed through the platform in October. Thirteen shipping agents have also begun operating through IRP and PN/TS, processing 6,351 Temporary Storage Declarations (TSDs) via the platform in October. From 1 December, various companies in Belgian seaports will switch definitively to IRP. The most significant step remaining in the transition now involves logistics players in the hinterland.

Controlled scaling up leading to full roll-out

Tests across various scenarios have confirmed that both IRP and the connections with Certified Pick-up (CPu) and the relevant customs systems are technically and operationally ready. In the coming weeks, volumes will be increased further, beginning with transshipment and later including import shipments. The phased approach allows the sector to adapt to the new working method, ensuring that from 1 December 2025, all local shipments can be registered entirely through PN/TS.

Future-proof cargo handling

IRP brings greater transparency, speed, and security to the digital processing of imports, transshipments, and transits across all Belgian seaports. The platform connects all links in the logistics chain and helps companies to apply European customs rules correctly and efficiently. In this way, the entire port community is integrated into a strong, future-proof system.

Further information can be found at www.inboundrelease.com.

 

For press inquiries, contact:

press@portofantwerpbruges.com
+32 492 15 41 39

Press releases in your mailbox

The port never stands still. Want to hear the latest news first? Sign up here and receive our press releases directly in your inbox!
Subscribe

You might also find this interesting

 
Belgian ports join forces for integrated port security
 
Zeebrugge - new record: MSC San Francisco reaches 16.80 metres draft
 
SynPet Technologies - emerging technology in plastics recycling

About Port of Antwerp-Bruges

With an annual throughput of 278 million tonnes, Port of Antwerp-Bruges is a world port in the heart of Europe. The port is a unique ecosystem of maritime throughput, logistics and industry, and is home to Europe’s largest integrated chemical cluster. As a hub for containers, general cargo and vehicles, and home to over 1,400 companies, it accounts for around 164,000 direct and indirect jobs and 21 billion euros in added value. This makes it Belgium’s most important economic engine.

Port of Antwerp-Bruges aims to become the first world port that reconciles economy, people and climate. The Antwerp-Bruges Port Authority, a limited liability company of public law, manages the port platforms of Antwerp and Zeebrugge. The cities of Antwerp and Bruges are the shareholders. Jacques Vandermeiren is CEO, Johan Klaps (Vice-Mayor of Antwerp) is President of the Board of Directors, and Dirk De fauw (Mayor of Bruges) is Vice-President.