U.S. Customs Service Amends Regs to Require Manifest Information
 
November 26, 2002
 

The U.S. Customs Service has issued a final rule amending the Customs Regulations to require the advanced and accurate presentation of certain manifest information prior to lading at the foreign port, and to encourage the presentation of this information electronically.  The document also allows a nonvessel operating common carrier (NVOCC) having an International Carrier Bond to electronically present cargo manifest information to Customs.  This information is required in advance and is urgently needed in order to enable Customs to evaluate the risk of smuggling weapons of mass destruction through the use of oceangoing cargo containers before goods are loaded on vessels for importation into the United States, while enabling Customs to facilitate the prompt release of legitimate cargo following its arrival in the United States.  Failure to provide the required information in the time period prescribed may result in the delay of a permit to unlade and/or the assessment of civil monetary penalties or claims for liquidated damages.  This rule takes effect on December 2, 2002.  Additional information and a copy of the final rules are available http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=2002_register&docid=02-27661-filed.