The circular dated 17/1/2003 issued by The Western India Shippers' Association, Mumbai.

New U.S. Customs Security Regulations on imports into US

(The salient features of this regulation was issued in Vol. IV, Issue No. 13 of the PDEXCIL Newsletter dated January 10, 2003).

The Western India Shippers' Association has now issued further particulars in this regard.

US Customs "24 HRS. AMF RULE" Comes Into Effect From 02 Feb. 03

Recent announcements US Customs reiterate the US Administrations resolve to enforce strictly the new "24 HRS. ADVACNE MANIFEST FILING RULE" for US bound vessels voyages beginning February 02, 2003.

Nature and contents of the Cargo to be declared has clearly been spelt out already by the US authorities. Please refer WISA circular No WISA/cir-03/02 dated the 3rd December, 2002 in this regard.

Now, the following salient features of the latest measures contemplated for strict enforcement have been spelt out :-

Use of full authority to impose monetary penalties for non-compliance.

Instruct carriers not do load non-compliant containers.

Deny the carriers the ability to unload non-compliant containers when it arrives in the US Port.

There will be no extension of time beyond February 2, 2003 for enforcement of the new guidelines and penalities for non-compliance can be substantial.

The US Customs will insist on strict and immediate compliance of the following requirements in the ACM.

No FAK, "Said to Contain", or "consolidated Shipment" descriptions.

All information items on the Cargo Declaration forms must be filled out accurately and completely.

Cargo declarations to be filled before vessel loading.

NVOCCs must file their cargo manifests either.

by becoming AMS (Automated Manifest System) filers themselves and file directly with the US Customs

or

using an AMS third party service provider.

or

Asking the Ocean Carrier to file their Cargo Declarations.

Please visit the US Customs website for names of AMS qualified NVOCCs. Shippers are advised to check well in advance with the Carrier Carrying the cargo the Operational and information requirements the Ocean Carrier has established to ensure that it can file the information as required that the containers tendered are compliant and do not encounter penal action.