Dear Customer,

We would like to inform you that as of October 15, 2008, US Customs will require all freight containers inbound to the US by ship to have:

High Security Seals meeting ISO PAS 17712 standards

This includes all cargo bound for the US, whether the US is the final destination or the cargo is in transit.

As a participating carrier in the US Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism program (C-TPAT), OOCL’s high security seal policy has already been in place for many years for all US-inbound containers. Although this is not a new practice, we would like to remind our customers that the practice is now mandatory under C-TPAT. 

This security initiative is aimed at improving cargo protection and increasing supply chain security. After securely stuffing and sealing your container, please ensure the seal number is provided on the shipping instructions forwarded to OOCL.

If a container is not affixed with a high security seal, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) may issue a penalty. There is also a possibility US Coast Guard may detain the vessel. However, CBP recognizes that there are types of containers that cannot be readily secured by use of a high security seal, such as tanks, non-standard containers (for example open top containers), or containers that simply cannot accommodate such a seal.  These types of containers are not subject to the statutory requirement.

Shippers/ consignees/ cargo owners are responsible for ensuring their containers are sealed according to regulations, and are liable for all costs incurred in case of any breach. 

We thank you for your understanding and support.

We will keep you informed about any further developments. Please don’t hesitate to contact our sales office if you have any further questions.

Best regards,

OOCL

                                                           OOCL(CHINA)LTD