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10+2 Customs Regulations
Made EZ

Discover the Sweeping
10+2 Customs Regulations imposed by
The US Customs and Border Protection
And the Devastating Damages that
Can result from Non-Compliance

On November 25, 2008, the details of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Importer Security ISF “10+2” Customs Regulation was announced.

Like most legal documents released by the Government and law making bodies, the regulations is full of legalese and is sometimes hard to interpret. Because of this we have attempted to simplify the requirements of the new 10+2 Customs Regulation by translating the regulation into English that can be easily understood. We believe that the report below will make the 10+2 Customs Regulation much easier to understand and implement. 

If by chance you still have questions, feel free to call us for clarification on any issue.

If you would rather view a hardcopy of this report, you can download the report by filling out the form to the right, and it will be e-mailed to you promptly.
 

January 26, 2009

This new law went into effect on January 26th, or 2009, but enforcement of the 10+2 Customs Regulation was intended to be “flexible” or advisory in nature until January 2010.   

The U.S. Customs & Border Protection rule known as 10+2 Customs Regulation or Importer Security Filing (ISF) regulation,  was implemented with the goal of enhancing the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's ability to assess and identify shipments entering the U.S as part of new anti-terrorism initiatives meant to enhance the security of our water ports.  

The new 10+2 Customs regulation requires the collection and reporting of 10 items of data from importers (or their agents).  There are two mandatory basic reporting timelines that must be followed:  
  • The 10 items of data must be submitted at least 24 hours prior to the loading of  a vessel.  
  • The shipping line must submit two further items within 48 hours of vessel leaving port and sailing. 
The new 10 + 2 Customs Regulation is a paper less system and  requires that all data filing are to be electronic filing only.  Period.  No paper submissions are allowed.   The U.S. Customs & Border agency graciously allowed a one year “flexible” enforcement period so that importers would have sufficient time to develop a feasible (for the importer) compliance program (for the importer), yet we have found that many importers have procrastinated  when it comes to preparing for these additional requirements that will be mandatory in January 0f 2010 and time is drawing near.
 

Non-Compliance of 10+2 Customs Regulation Can be Financially Devastating To Your Company

The penalties for non-compliance of the new 10+2 Customs Regulation though substantial at $5,000 fine per violation may seem small in comparison to the cost of a full vessel shipment. If the $5,000 fine per violation does not shake you, the possibility of a “No Load Order” that can be issued as a result of non-compliance should put the fear of God into you because it can have a devastating effect financially for your company and your clients.   

If Customs issues a No Load Order on your shipment,  your shipment will not be allowed to be loaded on its intended vessel.  You are probably aware of this fact, but let me re-iterate, the vessel does not wait for you to fix the “No Load order” with customs. The ship has a schedule to keep, and leaves on time, with your shipment or without your shipment.     

So the “No Load Order”, can result in your shipment sitting at the dock for days, if not weeks before the “No Load Order” is released to be shipped.   

Though the fine should be a large enough deterrent, the more damaging result is that, there is a very high probability,  that every one of your future shipments  will be subjected to increased scrutiny for some unknown period of time into the future.  

Though there is no formal red tag process or black list process, the resulting increased scrutiny can result in: 
  • Shipment delays costing tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars in lost revenue 
  • Lost Business because of delays 
 If you have not  started on implementing a compliance methodology, I suggest you get started now, so that you have plenty of time to implement the necessary compliance requirements. If you need assistance, Alliance Shipping Group USA will be more than happy to assist or head up your compliance efforts. Just give us a call.  

In the next paragraph, you will find a very succinct description of what is expected of you to comply with the 10+2 Customs Regulation. Make sure you watch our 15 minute video for further clarification.  Again, if you need any further clarification, just call us and we will be glad to answer any of your questions. Below that are commonly asked questions and the appropriate answers.
 

10+2 Customs Regulation
Data And Filing Time Requirements

To comply with 10 + 2 Customs regulations, you the importer must supply the following information for container shipments. (This rule does not apply generally to break bulk or bulk shipments):   

Following are the 10 data items (of the 10+2)that must be provided 24 hours prior to loading:   
  1. Manufacturer (or “final” supplier) name and address
  2. Seller’s name and address 
  3. Buyer’s name and address 
  4. Ship to name and address
  5. Scheduled container stuffing location or locations
  6. Consolidator name and address, if any
  7. For the importer of record, FTZ applicant identification number (IRS, SSN, or  number by assigned  by Customs if other number not available)
  8. Consignee identification number (IRS, SSN, Customs Assigned, CBP encrypted ID)
  9. Country of origin where goods were manufactured, produced or grown
  10. Harmonized tariff schedule code at minimum 6-digit level
NOTE: There is a one time exception allowed:

Although it simplifies the filing if all items are filed at the same time, if items 5 and 6 (stuffer and stuffing locations) are not available at the time of the initial filing, these two items may filed as soon as they are available, but in no event later than 24 hours prior to the vessels arrival.

The 2 data items of 10+2 that must be provided must be provided by the shipping line 48 hours prior to the vessel sailing
  • A Vessel stow plan 
  • Container status information detailing specific information relating to each container. 
 

10 +2 CUSTOMS REGULATION IMPACT

Although the importers are ultimately responsible for 10+2 Customs compliance, importers are generally customers, so the importer will depend on all links in the supply chain to assist the importer's compliance of 10 + 2.   

Although the casual observer may see that the exporter has no responsibility for 10+2, the 10+2 Customs regulation is already changing the way many exporters do business.   

For example, If an exporter ships a range of products from various manufacturers, the information an exporter must provide to their customer base is likely to be increased, in order for the importer to meet their 10 + 2 compliance requirements.    

Similarly, the shipping line, 3PL, customs broker or 4PL, as the case may be, must fast track the information interchange. From the exporter to the customs broker it will be much more difficult to accommodate “last minute” orders because the 10 +2  compliance must be met according to the required time lines, which will require more coordination and planning between all the links in the supply chain.   

Alliance USA and the Alliance Shipping Group are ready to provide the information necessary to determine the best practices to comply with 10+2.   

Because Alliance USA has a world wide network, Alliance is prepared to implement a 10+2 Customs regulation solution tailored for each client's needs, including interfacing with the client's exporters overseas, or whatever is required to get the job done.   

Alliance will review and analyze the following:   
  1. The data elements readily available in current information flow
  2. Existing systems capability and expandability to assist compliance.
  3. Possible data input sources, considering input accuracy and accessibility
  4. Coordination of information among exiting 3PLs, shipping lines, etc.
  5. Review of exporter information reliability vis-à-vis other exporters
  6. Selection of ultimate filer
  7. Product tracking technology and other specific importer variables
With this information in hand and depending upon the client's customs compliance needs, Alliance will be prepared to provide full 10+2 compliance service or interface with the client's customs broker or other customs compliance resources to ensure  full and accurate 10+2 compliance on or before January 2010.

To answer any questions that you may have, we have provided many of the frequently asked questions below, but again, call us at the phone number located in the footer of this document, if you need any help, clarification, or if you need to utilize our consulting services to assist you with compliance. 

Below is a power point Video on complying with 10 + 2 Customs Regulation, and below the video is a Frequently Asked Questions Section.
 
 

“10+2” Customs Program Frequently Asked Questions Importer Security Filing “10+2” Program

Download "10+2 Frequently Asked Questions"

 

Alliance Shipping Group USA Specializes in 10+2 Customs Regulations Consulting

 
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