Handling of dangerous goods in the port of Antwerp is subject to various legislation. "Handling" covers various operations including carrying in and out of the port, loading, unloading, transhipment, interim storage and keeping on board. It is important to know where dangerous goods are located within the port at every moment.

The ship's agent or forwarder notifies the dangerous goods to the Harbourmaster's Office, and the latter uses the information to draw up a safety dossier.

The initial notification is done using the electronic IFTDGN message which contains all information concerning dangerous goods that are to be delivered to the terminal. This notification must be sent to the Harbourmaster's Office not later than 24 hours before the dangerous goods are due to arrive in the port.

• In case of import or remain on board, the message is sent by the ship's agent.
• In case of export it is generally sent by the forwarder.

When the dangerous goods leave the terminal, the terminal operator gives notification of this with the exact time using the CODECO and COARRI messages.

• Declarants can upload a message and update it further from their own system before sending the definitive declaration
• Simply way of complying with the requirements of EU directive 2002/59 (providing cargo information to SafeSeaNet)
• Uniform structure for all messages to port authorities involved in handling dangerous goods
• Recognised by IMO as an alternative to FAL form 7
• Companies that are not able to send their declarations electronically can make use of digitisers such as Port+. Such digitisers can enter declarations and send them electronically on behalf of someone else. See: www.portplus.be.