Since the launch of the Secure Chain, we have been working on improving the release process. This is in consultation with the port community. A long-awaited update has been available in Cargo Controller and Cargo Release Manager since December 2025: the commercial release status. The services now provide more information and explanations about the commercial release status.
What’s new?
Previously, the commercial release was marked green when it was known. The status therefore had two updates: gray (not exempted) or green (exempted). From now on, you will see the status as the terminal recognizes the release . In this way, it makes the process transparent for all parties. The following status options are displayed in the service:
Commercial release not yet known (grey)
The shipping line has not yet approved this exemption through the Secure Chain. Wait or contact the shipping line.
Commercial release is sent, terminal not confirmed (blue)
The shipping line has exempted your cargo through the Secure Chain. The terminal has not yet processed this. Please wait or contact the shipping line.
Commercial release accepted by terminal (green)
The Secure Chain is active, ready for the next party and/or pre-notification at the terminal.
Commercial release rejected by terminal (red)
The Secure Chain is not active; the terminal has not accepted the release. Please contact the shipping line.
Commercial release revoked, terminal not confirmed (red)
The Secure Chain is no longer active. The shipping line has revoked the release for your cargo. The terminal has not yet processed this. Please wait or contact the shipping line.
Commercial release revocation request accepted by terminal (red)
The Secure Chain is not active; the terminal has accepted the revocation request. Contact the shipping line for a new release.
Commercial release revocation request rejected by terminal (red)
The Secure Chain is not active; the terminal has rejected the revocation request. Contact the shipping line for a new release.
Commercial release sent to a different terminal (yellow
The Secure Chain is not active; the terminal receiving the release differs from the terminal where the cargo was supposed to be discharged. Contact the shipping line to have the manifest or the release adjusted.
Providing context when it matters
With the introduction of these new statuses, the reason why and what you, as a forwarder/shipper, can do is clear across the entire secure chain. In the web screens, you see the release status per container, as shown in the screenshot below. Clicking on the status displays the detailed status. An example of this can be seen in the second screenshot.
