24 Hour Advance Cargo Manifest Filing
 
What is it?
In order to increase the knowledge of the types of cargo entering U.S. ports, U.S. Customs has implemented a requirement that all cargo intended for transport to the U.S. must be declared at least 24 hours before the cargo is laden aboard a vessel at a foreign port. The regulations are contained in 19 CFR Parts 4, 113, and 178.
 
What is the purpose?
The information gathered through this rule is required in order to evaluate the risk of smuggling Weapons of Mass Destruction through the use of ocean vessels and oceangoing cargo containers. U.S. Customs will use this information to prioritize the boarding of vessels upon arrival in U.S. ports. At the same time, the data will enable Customs to facilitate the prompt release of legitimate cargo following its arrival in the U.S.
 
What is the enforcement date?
The requirement went into effect on December 2, 2002 and was followed by a 60 day non-enforcement period. Thus the enforcement date for the new regulations is February 2, 2003. Any vessel beginning a voyage on or after February 2, 2003 must comply with the 24 hour advanced manifest rule, or be subject to fines and possible delays.
 
Who must comply?
The regulations affect all Ocean Carrier Services as well as NVOCCs (except certain bulk carriers described below).

Container Carrier Services:

  • All container carriers must submit cargo declarations 24 hours before loading cargo at each foreign port
  • This includes FROB (cargo that is loaded in a foreign port and which is to be unloaded in another foreign port with an intervening vessel stop at one or more US ports)
  • Carriers must submit final Cargo manifest information to U.S. Customs in accordance with the 48 hour Advance Manifest Rule.

Break Bulk Carrier Services:

  • Break Bulk is cargo that is not containerized, but which is otherwise packaged or bundled
  • Break Bulk Carrier services may apply for an exemption

Non-Vessel Operating Common Carriers (NVOCC):

  • NVOCC’s may give cargo information to Container Carriers for inclusion in the vessel declaration as long as that information can be included in time for the 24 hour rule
  • NVOCC’s must apply and acquire a type 3 International Common Carriers Bond
  • NVOCC’s must submit cargo declarations electronically, via a service provider, or through port authorities, or become an AMS certified electronic carrier
Are any carriers exempt?
Bulk Carrier Services are exempt. This includes vessels carrying cargo stowed in bulk, i.e. loose in the hold and not enclosed in any container such as boxes, bales, bags and casks. This includes such cargo as: Oil, Grain, Coal and Ore. Exempt carriers must still comply with existing 24 hour pre-arrival reporting requirements.

What are the reporting requirements?

  • Manifests encouraged to be filed electronically
  • Manifest information must be in English
  • Last foreign port vessel departs
  • Foreign port where specific cargo is laden
  • SCAC (Standard Carrier Alpha Code)
  • Carrier assigned voyage number
  • Scheduled date to arrive at the first U.S. port
  • Piece count of cargo at the lowest external packaging
  • Complete description of goods or six-digit HTS (Harmonized Tariff Schedule) number
  • Weight of the cargo
  • Shippers complete name and address
  • Consignee’s complete name and address
  • Vessel’s name, official number and country of documentation
  • Container numbers and the seal number for all affixed seals
  • Internationally recognized Hazardous Material (HAZMAT) codes
  • FROB cargo