Senate steps up plans for BOSS pilot project in Port of Hamburg

8 February 2021

New centre in Waltershof to bundle import controls - possible opening in 2026

Plans to implement a national pilot project entitled "Border One Stop Shop" (BOSS) in Waltershof have been stepped up after the senate reached an agreement Tuesday (February 2, 2021). The Ministry for Justice is now tasked with merging previously separate veterinary and food import controls, plant health controls, conformity controls and customs controls at the centre which is expected to open in 2026. Preliminary testing for the project has been underway since April 2019. The facility is part of a European strategy under which all EU members carry out inspections at all European points of entry simultaneously.

Model character of new import centre

The new import control centre will enable swifter and more efficient controls and boost the competitiveness of the Port of Hamburg, according to the ministry. Anna Gallina, Senator for Justice and Consumer Protection, said: "BOSS is a great opportunity for Hamburg. We seek significant improvements for the Port of Hamburg’s clients through the joint handling centre and more efficiently-organised inspections." IT-supported handling processes will increase efficiency at the new facility.

Merging all inspections should save time and costs and highlight sustainability. Michael Westhagemann, Senator for Economics, said: "We will reduce the logistical effort for companies, realize climate policy goals and accelerate container handling." The control centre is likely to become a model for other parts of Germany. Willem van der Schalk, Vice President of the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce, has welcomed BOSS and stressed that optimum administration is crucial to the port's competitiveness.
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