Japan's 24 hour Advanced Manifest Regulation

Dear valued customer,

As a customer of OOCLs we would like to bring to your attention changes to the customs procedures for exports to Japan. These changes are to enhance the security of the global supply chain, implementation is expected in March 2014.

Below are some of the changes that will affect bookings to Japan:

The new rules require shipping companies to file the cargo information based on Ocean (Master) B/L and consignors (NVOCCs), who are the contractors of consigned freight forwarding business with the shipping companies, to file the cargo information based on House B/L.

The filers are obliged to electronically file cargo information through the Nippon Automated Cargo and Port Consolidated System (NACCS). OOCL can only file the Ocean (Master) B/L. NVOCC customers will be required to file their own House Bill details with Japan NACCS system directly or through a registered Service Provider.

Therefore, the NVOCC which does not have offices in Japan will need to obtain Reporter ID in advance of filing and file the cargo information through the Service Provider permitted to access to NACCS. (If the NVOCC has offices which have been using NACCS in Japan, the NVOCC can file through those offices).

For more detailed information please refer to the following homepage of NACCS center, for the contact Information, the specifications of the system, issuance of the Reporter ID and the contact information of the service providers.

http://www.naccscenter.com/afr/ (Advance Filing Rules web site) http://www.customs.go.jp/english/summary/advance/index.htm Introduction of the Advance Filing Rules on Maritime Container Cargo Information (Guidance) and FAQ(s).

Please notice that CargoSmart (Software as a Service (SaaS) global shipping and logistics solutions provider) offers Japan Advance Filing solutions to help NVOCCs and ocean carriers comply with Japan Customs' filing regulations and manage the filing process efficiently. The solutions help NVOCCs and carriers:
• Avoid penalties from Japan Customs for inaccurate, late, or missing filings
• Improve visibility with advanced monitoring of the filing process and status
• Avoid risks of missing filings and improve customer service with timely notifications
• Increase operational efficiency through better collaboration with customers

For more details kindly visit
http://www.cargosmart.com/en/solutions/japan-afr.htm
http://www.cargosmarton.com/app/requestForm/AFR_resource_center.htm

Failure to comply to this rule could result in cargo hold at port of loading, or the denial of permission to unload vessel cargo and the possibility of returning the cargo to the load port. Carriers and NVOCCs will be subject to imprisonment for up to one year or fines up to JPY500,000.

We need request our customers to provide complete and accurate Shipping Instructions before the closing time.

We will look to keep you updated, as more information is known. Many thanks.