Japan to introduce Advance Manifest Rule

26 January 2007

Dear Valued Customer:     

We are writing to inform you that from 1 February 2007 Japanese Customs will introduce a mandatory advance manifest rule that applies to vessels calling at Japanese ports.

Please note that there will be no changes to the information required for manifest filing. The only difference is the timing of submissions. From 1 February 2007, the deadline for submitting manifest information will be 24 hours before vessels arrive at Japanese ports.

Exceptions include cargo from Mainland China or South Korea to ports in the Kyushu area or those bordering the Japan Sea. For these shipments, manifest information must be submitted no more than 12 hours before arrival.

Full details of exceptions can be found at: http://www.customs.go.jp/tetsuzuki/procedures/advance_e/summary.htm

As a responsible ocean carrier, our duty is to ensure the fast and efficient movement of customers’ cargo to all destinations in Japan, while fully complying with the new manifest filing requirements. To help us achieve this, please provide your manifest information for Japan-bound cargo in a timely fashion before ship loading.

If you have any specific questions, please contact your local APL representative.