AES Export Processing for U.S. Customs & Border Protection UPDATE

22 September 2008

Dear APL Valued Customer,

From 30 September 2008, the new mandatory AES (Automated Export System) rule will bring significant changes to the US export documentation requirements.

These changes will apply to all cargo on vessels that load at ports in the United States. Exporters must file Electronic Export Information using the AES and provide proof of an AES Citation Number, Exemption Legend or AES Post Departure Citation to the carrier 24 hours before the cargo is loaded.

APL requires written submission of the Citation/Legend 24 hours prior to the prevailing port cargo cutoff.

APL channels for submission of ITN

• The USPPI can submit ITN/exemption/exclusion legend to APL by faxing to 1-800-678-3687.
• From 29 September 2008, APL’s EDI system will accept the ITN/exemption/exclusion legend in an N9/ED (preferred) or C8/38 segment in the 304 (Shipping Instructions) message.
• The option to submit your information via the internet through APL’s HomePort site will be available around early October. We will update you once this functionality is in place. Please note this option is only available to those users who have registered for “secure” access to HomePort. If you have not already registered, we encourage you to do so at:

  www.apl.com/homeport/html/id_registration.html
  

Roll Fee

• Failure to provide your ITN/exemption/exclusion legend by the prescribed cutoff will prevent your cargo from being loaded to the intended vessel. In addition, a roll fee of US$200 per bill of lading will be assessed on Transpacific trade cargo and US$50 per bill of lading will be assessed for Transatlantic and Latin American cargo.
• Any handling, port demurrage or storage charges incurred as a result of the cargo being rolled will be charged to the exporter.
  

Format for submitting ITN/exemption/exclusion legend

• Customers must abide by the format determined by the new Mandatory AES Rule when submitting ITN/exemption/exclusion legend to APL, particularly for post-departure filers. Failure to comply could result in your cargo being rolled and additional costs being incurred.
• Below is a sample format for a post departure filing:
  

You can obtain further information from the U.S. Census Bureau website:

http://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/regulations/faqs/index.html#timeframes

Alternatively, you can contact Customer Support on tel: 1-800-999-7733 or email: nam_customer_support@apl.com

Please be assured that we will keep you informed of any important developments on this issue.