FAQ
What is the ACEP Renewal Requirement?
Prior to 2010, ACEPs had no planned review dates. In 2010 the IMO members states decided that the ACEP programs should reviewed not later than ten years after their date of delivery and should be reviewed thereafter at periods not longer than every ten years.
Along with this change came the new requirement that National Administrations make lists of valid ACEP numbers publicly available. These changes have been introduced in the CSC as an amendment and are mandatory.
Why is ACEP Important?
Safety: In intermodal transportation containers are interchanged constantly: Carriers, terminals, barge rail and road operators regularly accept containers belonging to many different parties – including operators that may be unfamiliar.
Containers are bought, leased, sub-leased and moved on SOC basis. Knowing that each container is covered by a valid maintenance and repair plan with regular inspections is critical to guaranteeing the safety of shipboard and shore-side personnel, as well as the general public.
Operations: A Global Database allows for rapid consultation of ACEP Numbers and Operators to ensure an ACEP is valid – anywhere in the world. Moreover, the CSC allows a container operated by an operator with a valid ACEP Number to continue its current voyage, even if the ACEP number decal is missing from the container. Allowing control officers an easy way to verify validity eliminates potential delays.
Visibility: A Global Database provides full visibility of ACEP programs to all interested parties and keeps Operators, Administrations and Approving Competent Authorities all on the same page through instant online visibility of expiration dates and automated notifications.
Why a Global Database operated by the BIC?
With the new requirement came a new challenge: Given the number of administrations involved, how to make the information readily accessible and truly available to all interested parties?
A single, global database was deemed the only realistic way to ensure adequate visibility.
As a non-profit, neutral, international NGO focused on the intermodal container industry and with over 40 years experience in performing such functions for the container industry, the BIC is pleased to have been asked to host the Global ACEP Database with the support of many member's states.
The BIC has been the industry's global container prefix registration authority since 1972 – a service it performs under a mandate from the ISO as well as international customs conventions. The BIC holds consultative status with the IMO and is a partner organization of the World Customs Organization.
How do I get an ACEP number and from whom?
First, you should check with the Maritime Administration of the country in which your business is headquartered. ACEPs are issued by Maritime Administrations or an approved competant authority (in many cases classification societies appointed by the Administration) would issue and manage the ACEP.
There is currently no IMO document identifying those governments that run ACEP programs, nor the approving competent authorities they may have appointed to conduct audits and registrations.
The BIC is available to assist Owner/Operators in identifying the appropriate ACEP-issuing authority
NOTE : the Circular number changes when a new version is issued.
How do I check my ACEP?
Once you have received the ACEP from the National Administration they will register it on the ACEP platform, you can find the latest information on your ACEP by searching the database, the person you appoint will receive automatic reminders each year of upcoming ACEP audit dates at the start of the calendar year, and then 6, 3 and 1 month prior to the audit date.
Why can't I find an ACEP in the database?
The Global ACEP Database is the recommended way by the IMO to publish ACEP, however some National Administrations publish ACEP on their own websites.
The fact that an ACEP is not present in the database DOES NOT MEAN that an ACEP is not valid, it just mean that the country in charge is not publishing its ACEP yet using the database.
Information on Container Prefixes
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