WHO calls on States Parties to facilitate the coexistence of digital and non-digital formats of ship-related health documents, including the Ship Declaration of Health (SDH) and Ship Sanitation Certificates (SSC), following the 2024 amendments to the International Health Regulations (2005) ( IHR ), which entered into force for most States Parties on 19 September 2025.
Article 35 of the IHR, as amended in 2024, stipulates that health documents may be issued in either non-digital or digital format, provided that its authenticity can be ascertained. In parallel, since 1 January 2024, the Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic has required public authorities (1) to establish, maintain and use Maritime Single Window systems for the electronic submission of information required on the arrival, stay and departure of ships in ports.
However, many States Parties currently lack the capacity, systems or interoperability arrangements needed to issue and ascertain the validity and authenticity of ship-related digital health documents. Therefore, competent authorities responsible for issuing SSCs and shipmasters responsible for completing and submitting SDHs should ensure that such documentation remains accessible in non-digital format to authorities in any port of call for their review. This implies keeping SSCs and SDHs always available and accessible in non-digital format, alongside any digital one. Such practice will prevent the widening of the digital divide between States Parties and avoid unnecessary interference with international traffic.
WHO therefore encourages competent national authorities responsible for border health, authorities at ports, any other authority with responsibilities related to ship-documentation, and conveyance operators – ship owners and ship agents – to continue supporting the availability and accessibility of SDHs and SSCs in non-digital format, alongside any in digital format. This approach will facilitate a smooth transition to digitalization while preserving continuity of maritime operations and mutual trust among States Parties.
Notes
- The agencies or officials in a State responsible for the application and enforcement of the laws and regulations of that State which relate to any aspect of the Standards and Recommended Practices contained in the annex to the FAL Convention.
