Alert From LTD Shippers Association: Security and New Rules For Imported Containers

Furniture World Magazine

As part of the Homeland Security effort as a result of 911, US Customs has implemented new rules which will affect your suppliers and you. The rules took effect December 2 with full implementation February 1, 2003. There is some confusion right now as it is being implemented. But you should be aware of it. Briefly, here are highlights— Carriers must advise US Customs of the vessel manifest 24 hours before ship lading at each port. It is the 24 hour Advance Manifest Rule. Carriers, to be able to comply with and prepare the manifest, are requiring shippers (and NVO’s if that is who the shipper is) to have the loaded container and documentation to them 48 to 72 hours in advance of that. For some ports, it may be 96 hours in advance. That means suppliers must finish orders and prepare the shipment and documentation earlier than many are used to doing. Shippers must provide full shipment details, their name and address, consignee name and address and product information, preferably the HTS (harmonized tariff system) number (at least 6 of the 10 digits) and description. Product description and shipping description are not acceptable. Security is the issue, not commerce. US Customs will advise carriers if there are shipments that they cannot load on to the ship. Incorrect information or amended documentation may cause a shipment to be put on hold and denied to be loaded. There are many details to be worked out as it is implemented fully. Get to your suppliers now. This effort could have a major impact on suppliers and on NVOs. It may also affect terms of sale and letters of credit. The impact of CSI on the flow of commerce is not understood enough yet. Many are not prepared and are not getting prepared. We will keep active members advised of CSI as we learn more. We also suggest you go to the U.S. Customs web site to get information at http://www.customs.ustreas.gov