Issuing agency: Lloyd's Register
Column: Regulatory updates
source: https://www.lr.org/en/knowledge/regulatory-updates/imo-meetings-and-future-legislation/fal-50-summary-report/
The IMO Facilitation Committee (FAL) discusses facilitation of international maritime traffic, including the arrival, stay and departure of ships, persons and cargo from ports.
FAL 50 met at the IMO in London from 23 - 27 March 2026
Below is a brief overview of some of the significant outcomes from FAL 50:
Strategy on Maritime Digitalisation- An action plan cataloguing current ongoing IMO digitalisation work and proposing gap‑closing outputs will be drafted; Administrations/delegations must submit any new outputs formally to MSC / MEPC / LEG / FAL. - A draft maritime digitalisation strategic plan was finalised and will be submitted to MSC, MEPC and LEG for input/endorsement, with a revised draft due at FAL 51 (2027) and adoption targeted at Assembly 35.
Maritime Cyber CodeThe IMO has initiated work on a goals‑based, non‑mandatory Maritime Cyber Code. The Code is expected to be completed by 2028 and should be flexible to allow Contracting Governments to account for regional/national requirements.
IMO CompendiumA new version of the IMO Compendium has been adopted. It includes a number of new data sets.
Amendments to FAL convention - A new resolution modifying the FAL Convention was adopted with an anticipated entry into force of 2028. The amendments are related to public health. - Future amendments will include non-mandatory data submission requirements for Advance Passenger Information (API) and Booking and Reservation Information/Passenger Name Record (BRI). These changes are expected to be adopted at FAL 51 (2027). Implementation of these changes will be left to the discretion of Contracting Governments.
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