Customers Advise: U.S. Customs 24 Hour Advance Manifest Rule
Cargo manifest

New Cargo Manifest Regulations
November 18, 2002

The US Customs Service has introduced a new cargo manifest in advance regulation with effect from December 2, 2002 which will require significant changes in shipment processes of all cargoes in ships calling at that country. This affects many of our customers as it requires shippers and carriers to adopt new disciplines and processes for ensuring that the cargo is manifested and shipped on time.

What are the principal features of this new rule?

  • The manifest should be transmitted electronically to the US Customs Service for all shipments in ships calling at its ports 24 hours prior to shipment of the cargo in the port (whether or not the cargo is destined to the United States or is in transit aboard the ship).
  • The manifest must include: a precise description of the cargo; complete details of the shipper and the consignee; prefix/number and seal of container.
  • The NVOCC is allowed to transmit manifests directly to the US Customs Service or may choose to do so through the shipping line.
  • Bulk cargo: is exempt from this rule.
  • Loose cargo: generally exempt but requires a dispensation from the US Customs Service.
  • “FROB”: Cargo in transit that remains on board (through US ports) is required to transmit the manifest information 24 hours prior to shipment at port of origin.
  • Empty containers: the regulation does not apply to empty containers.
  • “Freight all Kinds” / “Said to contain”: these are forbidden by US Customs.
  • “To order Bills of Lading”: should identify the consignee/owner of the cargo, or the owner’s representative

What should our customers do?

  • American importers need to advise their sellers and suppliers in the country of origin to ensure they provide the complete information in the manifest in sufficient time to complete the shipment process.
  • Shippers have different time periods and procedures. CSAV has therefore had to establish a new documentation closing and require the information mentioned in detail, otherwise we cannot prepare the cargo manifest and the US Customs Service will not allow us to make the shipment. Further details can be found in the document attached through the following link.

Confirming its commitment to its customers, CSAV makes all its technical, operational and commercial resources available to our customers to work together to reduceas much as possible the impact that this new measures might have on the normal trade flow of their products to the United States.

We also work with the US Customs Service for clarifying any pending matter. We will also provide regular up-to-date information through www.csav.com

For any specific question about the requirements of the manifest in advance, please refer to our local sales agents or customer service representatives.

Sincerely

Juan Antonio Alvarez
Assistant General Manager
Compañia Sud Americana de Vapores S.A