The Japanese Customs Authorities are progressing in their preparations for the introduction of the Japan Advance Manifest filing rules. The Japanese regulation (JP24) requires Ocean Carriers and Forwarder/Non Vessel Operating Common Carriers (NVOCC) to lodge the manifest 24 hours prior to loading of the cargo, MCC Transport said in a press release.
This will enable the authorities to perform the appropriate security assessment. Accordingly, the Japanese authorities reserve the right to deny loading at origin alternatively once loaded to deny discharge at Japan of a shipment if it is found to represent a security risk to Japan.
As a consequence, the Japan Customs will start its testing with the Carrier community from November 2013. The full implementation and enforcement is expected to apply to all shipments arriving in Japan on or after 10th of March 2014.
With effect from November, Maersk Liner Business (Maersk Line, Safmarine and MCC) will lodge Advance Manifests to the Japanese authorities, building up to the full enforcement of the “24 hour” rule no later than 10th of March 2014.
For customers this means that the Shipping Instructions (SIs) must be submitted 34 hours prior to the arrival of the vessel scheduled to load the cargo at the origin port.
Furthermore, the Advance Manifest must include the International HS code (6 digits).