0. INTRODUCTION
1. SCOPE
   1. Functional definition
   2. Field of application
   3. Principles
2. REFERENCES
3. TERMS AND DEFINITIONS
4. MESSAGE DEFINITION
   1. Data segment clarification
   2. Data segment index (alphabetical sequence)
   3. Message structure
      1. Segment table

This specification provides the definition of the Container announcement message (COPARN) to be used in Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) between trading partners involved in administration, commerce and transport.

The message contains an order to release, to make available, to accept or to call down containers or to announce the impending arrival of containers.

This message is part of a total set of container-related messages. These messages serve to facilitate the intermodal handling of containers by streamlining the information exchange. The business scenario for the container messages is clarified in a separate document, called: 'Guide to the scenario of EDIFACT container messages'.

The order may pertain to cargo related containers (full container load and less than container load), the arrangement of empty containers prior to loading and after stripping, as well as the arrangements for leasing the empty containers (on-hire and off-hire of containers).

The Container announcement message may be used for both national and international trade. It is based on universal commercial practice and is not dependent on the type of business or industry.

Business area: Pre- and on-carriage transport of containers/equipment

Sending functions include: Shipper, Freight forwarder, Shipping agent, Container freight station, Consignee

Receiving functions include: Freight forwarder, Shipping agent, Container terminal, Inland terminal, Container depot, Container freight station, Container lessor

In the context of the 'Guide to the scenario of EDIFACT container messages' (as referred to at the start of section 1) the following guidelines, rules and functionality apply to this Container announcement message:

• The message contents can normally be uniquely identified by a combination of the following data elements:

• ordering customer, coded (NAD)
• ordering customer agent, coded (NAD)
• container announcement reference number (being the container release order reference, acceptance order reference, disposition order reference) (RFF)
• related container announcement reference (reference to container disposition order) (RFF)

In case the COPARN is used as an empty container notice the identification is normally achieved by:

• carrier agent, coded (shipping agent) (EQD/NAD)
• carrier, coded (shipping line) (TDT)
• carrier agent's reference number (EQD/RFF)

In case the COPARN is used as an on-hire request or order the identification is normally achieved by:

• message sender (NAD)
• lessee's reference (RFF)
• indication on-hire request or order (BGM)

In case the Container announcement message is used as an off-hire request or notice the identification is normally achieved by:

• message sender (NAD)
• return reference (RFF)
• indication off-hire request or notice (BGM)

The ordering customer agent, coded is needed to supplement the unique identification only in the next situation: the agent acts on behalf of several ordering customers issuing the same range of reference numbers for each customer. E.g. the ship's agent acts on behalf of several shipping lines issuing for each shipping line the same range of numbers.

• One shipping line, one seagoing vessel, one sea voyage number and one shipping agent can be specified on message top level.
• An indicator for the transport status (i.e., export, import, transhipment or continental) can be completed on container level (EQD-segment).
• One message may contain several containers identified by their prefix and number or several equipment guidelines for groups of (empty) containers.
• If the container prefix and number is unknown (in the Empty container disposition order or Container release order), a supplementary container reference number (Container sequence number) is used to identify a container group in the message to be able to refer to this information of the container(s) in e.g. the Container release order or the Container gate-in/gate-out message.
• In case of an Empty container disposition order several equipment guidelines can be specified in the message in order to load (empty) containers that cannot be identified by their full prefix and serial numbers. In case of a guideline a combination of size and type and/or a certain range of equipment serial numbers (container prefix and numbers) can be given for a group of one or several containers.
• Inland transport details can be specified for each individual container or can be specified on message level (for all containers in the message); the two options must not be used simultaneously.
• An inland transport charges reference or a sea booking reference can be specified either on message level (related to all containers in the message) or for each individual container; the two options must not be used simultaneously.
• In case of an Empty container disposition order or a Call down order the place of positioning, related reference and date/time of positioning of the containers can be specified either on message level (related to all goods items in the message) or for each individual goods item (as the place where the goods item is to be stuffed or stripped); the two options must not be used simultaneously. In the latter case up to 10 places of positioning for each goods item to be stripped from or stuffed in the container(s) can be included in the message.
• In case of an Acceptance order the date and time of positioning of the containers at the place of positioning can be specified for each individual container.
• The final place of positioning can be included in case of routing via an inland terminal or several container freight stations (for stacking purposes).
• For each container up to 3 communication addresses can be specified to which a copy of the Container gate-in/gate-out report message is to be sent.
• For each container details can be specified such as container prefix and number, size/type, loading instructions, special instructions, seals, temperature, dangerous goods and off-dimensions details.
• In case of export the port of discharge and a port of transhipment can be specified for each individual container.
• A goods item may be detailed, such as number and type of packages, goods description, gross weight, dangerous goods information and special instruction.
• Goods item information can be related to the corresponding containers by linking the goods item group (GID) to the container details group(s) (EQD) by means of the SGP-segment.
• In case of export for each goods item up to 9 declarant's reference numbers can be given; in case of goods declaration (Customs) at the place of stuffing also 9 accompanying (Customs) documents can be given.
• The return address (in case of an off-hire notice) can be given on message level or on container level, but not simultaneously. The region for the empty equipment return (in the request) can be given on message level. The reference at the return address or region of return can be given at the same level.

See UNTDID, Part 4, Chapter 2.6 UN/ECE UNSM - General Introduction, Section 1.

See UNTDID, Part 4, Chapter 2.6 UN/ECE UNSM - General Introduction, Section 2.

This section should be read in conjunction with the Branching Diagram and the Segment Table which indicate mandatory, conditional and repeating requirements.

0010 UNH, Message header

A service segment starting and uniquely identifying a message. The message type code for the Container announcement message is COPARN.

Note: Container announcement messages conforming to this document must contain the following data in segment UNH, composite S009:

0020 | BGM, Beginning of message

A segment to indicate the beginning of a message and to transmit identifying number and the further specification of the message type (in data element 1001: Document/message name, coded), such as Empty container disposition order, Release order, Pre-arrival notice, Acceptance order, Empty container notice, Call-down order, On-hire request, On-hire order, Off-hire request, Off-hire notice.

0030 TMD, Transport movement details

A segment to specify the haulage arrangement for the containers in the message, such as carrier haulage or merchant haulage.

0040 + DTM, Date/time/period

A segment to indicate a date and time applying the message as a whole: - requested equipment positioning date and/or time - expected on-hire date and/or time - expected return period

0050 TSR, Transport service requirements

A segment to identify whether arrangements for the inland transport are to be made, whether equipment guidelines are applicable, whether Customs clearance is to be arranged and pick-up/delivery instructions.

0060 FTX, Free text

A segment to specify free form or processable supplementary information, such as: - change information - special instructions

0070 + LOC, Place/location identification

A segment to identify a location applying to the entire message: - region of availability - empty equipment return region

0080 Segment Group 1: RFF-DTM

A group of segments to specify a reference relating to the whole message, and its date and/or time.

0090 | RFF, Reference

A segment to express a reference which applies to the entire message, such as: - container announcement reference number - booking reference number - reference to previous message - lessee's reference - lessor's reference - lease contract reference - return reference (of the party returning on hire equipment) - collect reference (of party collecting specified leased equipment) - carrier's agent reference number

0100 + DTM, Date/time/period

A segment to indicate date and/or time related to the reference.

0110 Segment Group 2: TDT-RFF-LOC-DTM

A group of segments to indicate details of the movement of containers by sea and by inland carriers, such as mode and means of transport, and locations.

0120 | TDT, Details of transport

A segment to indicate information related to the main carriage stage of the transport (sea), such as voyage number or indication sea transport, vessel and carrier or liner. Information on related inland transport stage(s) can also be included, such as mode of inland transport, means of transport, and inland carrier, such as: - main-carriage transport (sea) - pre- or on-carriage transport - second pre- or on-carriage transport

0130 RFF, Reference

A segment to provide a reference for the liner service, such as: - conference - marketing organization - syndicate - vessel sharing agreement

0140 LOC, Place/location identification

A segment to indicate a place/port corresponding to the transport stage, such as final place/port of discharge or port of loading.

0150 DTM, Date/time/period

A segment to indicate the arrival date and time of an inland means of transport, such as: - arrival date/time, estimated

0160 Segment Group 3: NAD-SG4-RFF-DTM

A group of segments to identify a party and/or addresses and a related contact and references.

0170 | NAD, Name and address

A segment to identify the party's name and address, and function, and other addresses, such as: - ordering customer - ordering customer agent - message recipient - message sender - place of positioning - place of collection - final place of positioning - carrier agent (sea) - charges payer - place of acceptance name and address - invoicee - stripping address - return address - on hire party direct interchange - off hire party direct interchange - container survey agency

0180 Segment Group 4: CTA-COM

A group of segments to identify a contact and its communications related to the party.

0190 CTA, Contact information

A segment to identify a person or department of a message sender and/or message recipient, such as: - information contact

0200 + COM, Communication contact

A segment to identify a communication number of a person or department to whom communication should be directed.

0210 | RFF, Reference

A segment to identify a reference used by a party or at an address, such as: - reference at place of collection - reference at place of positioning - related container announcement reference (reference to Container disposition order) - transport costs reference number - reference at stripping address - reference at return address - reference at place of acceptance

0220 DTM, Date/time/period

A segment to indicate a date and time applying to the party, such as: - ultimate equipment positioning date/time - requested equipment positioning date/time

0230 Segment Group 5: GID-HAN-FTX-RFF-PIA-SG6-MEA-DIM-DOC-SG7-SG8

A group of segments to describe the goods items (to be) stuffed in or (to be) stripped from the containers.

0240 GID, Goods item details

A segment to identify a goods item (to be) stuffed in or (to be) stripped from the containers. A goods item can be identified by a goods item number.

0250 HAN, Handling instructions

A segment to specify handling instructions relating to the goods item, such as: - hazardous cargo - off-dimensions - Customs clearance

0260 FTX, Free text

A segment to describe the goods item or to provide special instructions.

0270 RFF, Reference

A segment to identify a reference to a goods item in case of export, such as: - shipowner's authorization number - declarant's reference number

0280 PIA, Additional product id

A segment to identify a commodity code.

0290 Segment Group 6: NAD-DTM-RFF

A group of segments to describe the address, reference and date/time for the stuffing or the stripping of the goods item in the containers.

0300 | NAD, Name and address

A segment to identify the address applicable to the particular goods item, such as: - place of positioning (as the stuffing or stripping address for the goods item) - Customs clearance place - place of acceptance name and address - stripping address

0310 DTM, Date/time/period

A segment to indicate a date and time when the container is to be positioned, such as: - requested equipment positioning date/time - ultimate equipment positioning date/time

0320 | RFF, Reference

A segment to identify a reference used by a party or at an address, such as: - reference at place of positioning - reference at place of acceptance - reference at stripping address

0330 MEA, Measurements

A segment to specify measurements, other than dimensions, applicable to a goods item, such as: - gross weight

0340 DIM, Dimensions

A segment to specify dimensions applicable to a goods item, such as: - gross dimensions

0350 DOC, Document/message details

A segment to specify a document prepared for a goods item.

0360 Segment Group 7: SGP-MEA

A group of segments to specify the distribution of a goods item among the containers.

0370 SGP, Split goods placement

A segment to identify a container in which goods are transported.

0380 MEA, Measurements

A segment to specify the gross weight of that portion of the goods item in the container, such as: - gross weight - net net weight (dangerous goods)

0390 Segment Group 8: DGS-FTX-MEA

A group of segments to specify dangerous goods details related to the goods item. One goods item may be in different dangerous goods classes.

0400 DGS, Dangerous goods

A segment to indicate the dangerous goods regulations for the corresponding mode of transport, class of dangerous goods, additional dangerous goods code, UN-number and shipment flash point.

0410 FTX, Free text

A segment to specify supplementary details related to the dangerous goods, such as: - dangerous goods technical name - dangerous goods additional information

0420 MEA, Measurements

A segment to specify measurements of the dangerous goods, such as: - net net weight

0430 Segment Group 9: EQD-RFF-EQN-TMD-DTM-TSR-LOC-MEA-DIM-TMP-RNG-

SEL-FTX-DGS-MOA-GOR-EQA-SG10-SG11-SG12 A group of segments to specify (groups of) containers (with guidelines) in which goods are transported or which are taken on-hire or off-hire.

0440 EQD, Equipment details

A segment to specify a container, container size and type, and full/empty indication; also to specify the type of rail car on which a related container is transported.

0450 | RFF, Reference

A segment to express a reference which applies to the particular container, such as: - container sequence number - lower equipment serial number of range - upper equipment serial number of range - referring sequence number - reference at place of positioning - reference at place of collection - related container announcement reference (reference to Empty container disposition order) - transport costs reference number - carrier agent's reference number - freight frowarder's reference

0460 EQN, Number of units

A segment to specify the number of containers of the same size and type in case of equipment guidelines.

0470 TMD, Transport movement details

A segment to indicate a Full Container Load (FCL) or a Less than Full Container Load (LCL).

0480 | DTM, Date/time/period

A segment to indicate a date and time relating to the container, such as: - estimated positioning date/time - ultimate release date/time - expected on-hire date and/or time

0490 TSR, Transport service requirements

A segment to specify special instructions and/or services regarding the container, such as: fork lift holes required, off-dimensions, ship's agent's counter by terminal, seals to be checked, damage to be inspected, Customs clearance.

0500 LOC, Place/location identification

A segment to specify ports/locations associated with the sea transport of a container in case of export, such as: - place of discharge - transhipment place

0510 MEA, Measurements

A segment to specify measurement, other than dimensions, associated with the container, such as: - tare weight - gross weight

0520 DIM, Dimensions

- off-standard dimensions, general - off-standard dimensions, front - off-standard dimensions, rear - off-standard dimensions, right - off-standard dimensions, left - off-standard dimensions, height - external equipment dimensions - dimensions equipment door - net dimensions

0530 TMP, Temperature

A segment to specify the transport temperature setting of a container.

0540 RNG, Range details

A segment to specify the transport temperature range or the pre-tripping range of a container.

0550 SEL, Seal number

A segment to identify seal and seal issuer associated with the container, such as shipper, consolidator, carrier (sea) and Customs.

0560 FTX, Free text

A segment to specify processable supplementary information associated with the container, such as: - loading instructions (seagoing vessel) - special instructions (related to inland transport) - container order information (conditions to be checked) - remarks

0570 DGS, Dangerous goods

A segment to indicate the contamination of the equipment, e.g. by UN-number.

0580 MOA, Monetary amount

A segment to indicate a liability amount relating to the equipment.

0590 GOR, Governmental requirements

A segment to indicate if governmental inspection is required.

0600 EQA, Attached equipment

A segment to identify related container and means of transport details (rail), such as: - rail car (to relate to the 'rail-car'-qualified EQD-group)

0610 Segment Group 10: DAM-COD

A group of segments to specify damage details related to the equipment.

0620 DAM, Damage

A segment to specify equipment damages, such as the point of the damage on the equipment, and the type of damage.

0630 COD, Component details

A segment to specify component details of the damaged equipment.

0640 Segment Group 11: TDT-LOC-DTM

A group of segments to indicate information related to the pre- or on-carriage transport stage of the equipment.

0650 | TDT, Details of transport

A segment to specify pre- or on-carriage transport details, such as: * pre- or on-carriage transport * second pre- or on-carriage transport

0660 LOC, Place/location identification

A segment to specify ports/locations associated with the pre- or on-carriage transport, such as: - place of departure - place of arrival

0670 DTM, Date/time/period

A segment to specify a date/time relating to the pre- or on-carriage transport, such as arrival or departure date/time.

0680 Segment Group 12: NAD-DTM-CTA-COM-RFF

A group of segments to identify different parties/places, and related dates/times.

0690 | NAD, Name and address

A segment to specify a related address or party, such as: - charges payer - country/place of container stuffing - place of collection - final place of positioning - message to - next destination - release to party - carrier agent (sea) - return address

0700 DTM, Date/time/period

A segment to indicate a date and time relating to the container, such as: - earliest equipment collection date/time

0710 CTA, Contact information

A segment to identify a person or department for the specified party.

0720 COM, Communication contact

A segment to identify the communication number on the EDI-network (e.g. mailbox number) to whom a copy of the Container gate-in/gate-out report message should be sent.

0730 + RFF, Reference

A segment to identify a reference used by a party or at an address: - reference at return address

0740 CNT, Control total

A segment to specify the number of containers in the message, explicitly given by the sender.

0750 UNT, Message trailer

A service segment ending a message, giving the total number of segments in the message and the control reference number of the message.