A Locode is a code that uniquely identifies a location in the world. The need for such codes is clear: no mix-ups between locations are possible + all location information can be transmitted by use of a single 5-character code.

In order to keep every Locode unique and to make sure all location data are correct, the UN holds a huge database containing all locodes. The UN Locode site can be found at http://www.unece.org/cefact/locode/service/main.htm. Checking all newly created locodes from over the world is an enormous work. Therefore it may take some time before a location gets a UN approved Locode. Local business needs may require a Locode for a certain location sooner. Therefore the UN has mandated certain organisations to create local Locodes. These local Locodes are temporarily valid. They are submitted in due time to the UN. The UN then checks these Locodes according to validation rules. Only once approved by the UN, the former temporary Locode becomes a definite one!

This site has been conceived as a service towards companies in the port of Antwerp and other ports in the region who use Locodes in their systems to transmit e.g the location of the delivery party. The local temporary Locodes are managed by the Antwerp Port Authority ("Havenbedrijf"), as they are mandated by the UN and Siprocom as member of the UN/LOCODE Working Group (part of the UN/CEFACT CDWG-codes working group).