U.S. CUSTOMS EMPHASIZES RAPID COMPLIANCE WITH ADVANCE MANIFEST RULE

U.S. CUSTOMS EMPHASIZES RAPID COMPLIANCE WITH ADVANCE MANIFEST RULE

   U.S. Customs urges ocean carriers and non-vessel-operating common carrier industry to comply with its new regulation for advance manifest filing as quickly as possible.

   The regulation, which became effective Monday, requires ocean carriers and NVOs to file their manifests for containerized cargoes to the agency at least 24 hours prior to loading on vessels overseas.

   Customs gave the industry 60 days after the effective date to comply. After Feb. 1, the agency will begin penalizing non-compliant ocean carriers and NVOs.

   “Over the next two months we strongly encourage rapidly increasing compliance by all parties that are required to take action under the regulation,” said Customs Commissioner Robert C. Bonner in a statement Monday. “Knowing the contents of a container before it is loaded onto a ship bound for the U.S. is a critical part of our efforts to guard against the terrorist threat.”

   Ocean carriers and NVOs are encouraged to contact Customs with their questions or concerns regarding the implementation of the advance manifest regulation.

   “Customs will continue to provide many types of assistance at both the local (port) level and at the headquarters level to assist companies in the operational transition to the new procedures,” Bonner said.

   Customs has posted a comprehensive “frequently asked questions” section on its Web site (http://www.customs.gov) for ocean carriers and NVOs with questions about the program. Ocean carriers and NVOs may also e-mail their questions to the agency (traderelations@customs.treas.gov).

   The agency will also work with the Treasury Department’s Advisory Committee on the Commercial Operations of the U.S. Customs Service (COAC) to assess the impact of implementing the new advance manifest regulation on the industry.