Global trade depends on efficient systems to track and manage goods. Location codes play a key role in identifying places involved in shipping and logistics. They simplify communication between businesses, governments, and transport companies, ensuring smooth operations.
UN LOCODE stands for the United Nations Code for Trade and Transport Locations. It is a system developed by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) to standardize location identification worldwide. The system is widely used in shipping, customs, and logistics to simplify trade processes and ensure accuracy in identifying important locations.
Structure of UN/LOCODE
UN LOCODE uses a simple five-character code format. The first two characters represent the ISO country code. These letters identify the country where the location is found. The last three characters identify a specific location within that country.
For example, “NL RTM” is the code for the port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands. “NL” is the ISO code for the Netherlands, and “RTM” refers to Rotterdam. You will find these codes on shipping documents like bills of lading. They show where goods are sent from and where they are going.
It is similar to International Air Transport Association (IATA) codes, which are used for airports. Unlike IATA, UN LOCODE covers a wider range of trade locations, including seaports, terminals, and border points.
The History of UN/LOCODE
UN LOCODE was introduced in 1981 to simplify trade and transport processes. The first version included 8,000 locations. It was developed by UNECE with support from IATA, International chamber of shipping (ICS), and national governments. The system aimed to provide a standard way to identify key locations used in global trade.
Over the years, the system has grown significantly. It now includes over 100,000 codes, covering 249 countries and territories. Biannual updates ensure new locations are added, and existing codes are corrected. These updates make UN LOCODE a reliable and accurate tool for international trade.
Key Milestones
| Year | Milestone | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Launch of UN LOCODE | Included 8,000 codes for global trade. |
| 1990 | Expansion to 50,000 codes | Covered more countries and trade locations. |
| 2000 | Adoption by major shipping companies | Widely used in shipping and customs. |
| 2010 | Over 90,000 locations included | Became a key tool for freight forwarders. |
| 2023 | Current database includes 100,000+ codes | Covers 249 countries and territories. |
It is updated twice a year to stay accurate. Updates include new locations and corrections. This ensures the system remains reliable for businesses and governments worldwide.
Where to Download UN/LOCODE
You can download UN LOCODE from the official UNECE website. The database is regularly updated to include new locations and corrections.
The codes are available in different formats, such as CSV, TXT, and HTML. These formats are easy to use for businesses and governments. You can access the database through this link: UN/LOCODE Download.
Port Finder Tool
A port finder tool is a practical resource created by IncoDocs. It is designed for traders by traders to simplify port identification. The tool uses UN/LOCODES to help you find ports by their codes or names. This makes it easier to locate ports hubs quickly.
You can access the tool here: Port Finder Tool
