Following the discussions, the collection and transmission of API and BRI remains voluntary and no fixed global implementation date was set. Instead, national governments retain the flexibility to decide if, when and for which operations to introduce these requirements, and public authorities must first develop the capability, legal framework and protections before they can require API transmission.

For ferry and cruise operations, the biggest win is the no-duplication safeguard. The Working Group agreed on a new Standard requiring that authorities must not demand a Crew List or Passenger List if they already require API. This should reduce administrative burden and avoid double reporting, especially important for high-frequency and short-sea services where turnaround time is tight.

Submission timing was also adjusted in a way that better reflects how maritime operations work in reality. The Recommended Practice now points to API being submitted before the ship departs the “country of departure” (not necessarily the port), and it explicitly allows updates after departure where changes are necessary. This is an important operational safeguard that should help maintain flexibility for late passengers, vehicles and last‑minute changes.

Meanwhile, the agreed amendments align Appendix 1 of the FAL Convention with the IMO Compendium API list, expanding the maximum data elements that could be requested. Industry representatives explicitly emphasised that the Compendium list goes significantly beyond the existing FAL 5 and FAL 6 datasets and noted that it had originally been developed without comprehensive engagement across the full shipping industry. In this context, the UK Chamber underlined the need for a clearer justification as well as the potential operational and system impacts this could create for operators.

On BRI, its collection should only be required where operators already collect the information in the normal course of business, with further technical specifications expected to be developed through future IMO/WCO guidelines.

The UK Chamber and our ICS colleagues worked closely with Interferry to ensure these operational realities were reflected in the final text of the IMO FAL report. 

For more information, please contact the Ferry & Cruise Policy Manager, Ilias Bafounis.