Several federal security initiatives will have a significant impact on global supply chains. Star Asia would like to provide you with the below overview of major recent developments that will influence your companies day-to-day operations. We ask that you to work closely with your suppliers and Star Asia for compliance. Star Asia will continue to keep you updated and we also encourage you to visit www.star-asia.com often for timely updates on many issues that impact your import logistics.
Summary of Cargo Security Initiatives
The Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) requires participants, including importers, carriers and customs brokers, to document their security procedures. Companies that are accepted into the program also must help overseas suppliers raise their security standards. Participants' shipments qualify for expedited processing and exemption from physical inspections. Details are available at www.customs.ustreas.gov.
The Container Security Initiative (CSI) seeks to identify high-risk containers before they arrive in the United States by placing U.S. Customs inspectors at foreign ports, where they work with local authorities to screen U.S.-bound containers. To date, 13 of the world's 20 largest seaports have signed on, and China has agreed in principle to participate. The program also promotes the use of high-tech detection and security devices. For more information, go to www.customs.ustreas.gov.
The Trade Act of 2002,which gave the president "fast track" authority to negotiate trade agreements, also requires exporters to submit shipping documents no later than 24 hours after cargo has been delivered to a marine terminal and at least 24 hours prior to a vessel's departure. The act makes it illegal to tender improperly documented shipments to carriers and requires exporters and importers to file Customs data electronically. It also establishes a task force to develop procedures for screening and monitoring imports prior to arrival. For details, go to http://thomas.loc.gov.
U.S. Customs' 24-Hour Manifest Rule requires most ocean carriers and consolidators to file cargo manifest data with Customs electronically at least 24 hours before U.S.-bound cargo is loaded on a vessel at a foreign port. A total of 16 individual pieces of information are required under the rule, which took effect Dec. 2. For the full text, go to www.customs.ustreas.gov/news/pressrel.htm. Find the Oct. 30 press releases, then click on "Presentation of vessel cargo declaration."
The Homeland Security Act passed by Congress in November creates a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that is charged with preventing terrorist attacks, reducing the country's vulnerability and assisting in recovery from attack. Though U.S. Customs, the Transportation Security Administration and the Coast Guard will now be part of DHS, the act does protect Customs revenues from diversion to other parts of the new department. For the full text of the legislation, go to http://thomas.loc.gov.
The U.S. Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 requires the Coast Guard and local port security committees to conduct vulnerability assessments at U.S. ports. It authorizes the Coast Guard to conduct assessments at foreign ports and to deny entry to vessels from countries that do not meet security standards. It also mandates background checks and I.D. cards for some personnel; authorizes grants for security improvements at U.S. ports; and orders the development of standards for container seals and locks as well as a cargo tracking, identification and screening system for ocean containers. For the full text, go to http://thomas.loc.gov.
The Free and Secure Trade (FAST) program harmonizes some of the requirements for participation in C-TPAT and Canada's Partners in Protection (PIP) program. Participants receive unique identifiers that make them eligible for expedited processing at the U.S.-Canada border. Both the motor carrier and the individual driver of FAST shipments must be pre-approved. For more information, go to www.customs.ustreas.gov.
We appreciate your support and welcome any questions or comments.