In order to comply with Shanghai Customs implementation of CSI (Container Security Initiative), cargo data for all shipments being exported to the U.S. will be checked electronically for accuracy. Please note the following points:
1. Manifest Document:
- Starting from midnight 11/1/2003, all Carrier Agents (Star Asia overseas offices that book directly with steamship lines) will be required to submit a Manifest Document to the Shanghai Customs Inspection & Management Office 36 hours prior to the vessel’s scheduled departure. Due to this new regulation, we must emphasize to our customers the importance of the timely transmission of the Loaded Container Port-Entry Data. Your shipper will supply this data to the Carrier Agent, who will then use the information to compile the Manifest Document. Additionally, customers are responsible for notifying their Carrier Agent of any changes in this data, including changes in piece count, number of bookings, container number, etc. within 36 hours of the vessel’s scheduled departure. Any submissions to customs after the 36-hour deadline will not be processed. Please keep in mind that the accurate and timely transmission of data is the difference between a container catching a vessel and being bumped to the next vessel.
- A container will not be cleared for export to the U.S. if the cargo data entered by the Port Officer does not match the Container Port-Entry Data provided to the Carrier Agent.
2. Inspection:
- To reduce the frequency of U.S. Customs inspections upon arrival in the U.S., Shanghai Customs will closely follow U.S. Customs procedures and standards for inspection when carrying out the inspection of cargo being exported to the U.S.
- The shipper (cargo owner) must be present for the inspection. If the shipper is not present or arrives late, and as a result the shipment misses its scheduled sailing, the customer will be responsible for any resulting losses.
- A standardized seal will be placed on all containers that are inspected and cleared for export. Both U.S. and China Customs will recognize this seal. The shipper will be responsible for ensuring that cargo is loaded on the vessel and exported undamaged.
3. "Must be here to clear" policy:
- According to Shanghai Customs, all cargo must be at the port before customs declaration can be made. Beginning 10/25/2003, this regulation will be strictly enforced. Once all computerized data is received or entered by customs, it will be safe from tampering.
- Customs computer system will check to ensure that the data supplied by the Port Office matches the data supplied by the Carrier Agent. A shipment will be automatically rejected if there are any discrepancies.
- All containers under the same Bill of Lading must be at the port before customs declaration can begin. The data for all containers on a Bill of Lading must be completely accurate for the shipment to be cleared for export. For example, if data for one container is incorrect, none of the containers will be cleared for export.
In order for us to comply with these important new customs regulations, it is necessary that our customers strictly abide by the rules outlined in this notice.
Call us at 404-761-6900 if you have questions.