Thursday, January 16, 2003
Re: U.S. Customs to Begin Enforcing 24-Hour Rule

Dear NASA Members:

We would like to take this opportunity to remind you that U.S. Customs will begin enforcing their 24-hour advance cargo declaration filing requirements for U.S. bound vessel voyages starting February 2, 2003.

While ocean carriers have been required to electronically submit cargo declaration data to U.S. Customs via Customs’ Automated Manifest System (AMS) at least 24-hours prior to loading cargo aboard a U.S. bound vessel since December 2, 2002, penalties have not been levied for non-compliance. Beginning February 2, 2003, U.S. Customs may use their authority to impose monetary penalties for non-compliance, to instruct carriers not to load noncompliant containers, and to deny carriers’ the ability to unload a noncompliant container when it arrives in a U.S. port. Therefore, it is imperative for shippers to provide us with accurate and timely data.

We are fully committed to complying with these regulations and we will work closely with you to ensure your data sufficiently meets U.S. Customs’ requirements. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. We appreciate your continued support. Thank you.

Best regards,
Gregory N. Taylor