10 + 2 Requirements for Maritime Cargo Carriers and Importers

19 January 2009

Dear Valued Customer:

U.S. Customs Border and Protection's (CBP) 10+2 Ruling (Importer Security Filing and Additional Carrier Requirements) becomes effective on 26 January 2009. The regulation requires importers and ocean carriers to electronically submit additional data to CBP on vessels destined to the United States.

The '10', also referred to as the Importer Security Filing (ISF-10), requires importers to transmit ten data elements 24 hours before a container is loaded onto the ocean vessel.

The ISF-10 data elements are: (1) Seller, (2) Buyer, (3) Importer of record number / foreign trade zone applicant identification number, (4) Consignee number(s), (5) Manufacturer (or supplier), (6) Ship to party, (7) Country of origin, (8) Commodity Harmonized Tariff Schedule number of the United States (HTSUS) number, (9) Container stuffing location and (10) Consolidator name and address.

The '2' requires ocean carriers to submit the vessel stow plans and container status messages (CSMs) to CBP.

CBP has given importers flexibility on six of the data elements and importers should refer to the regulation for further information.

During the first 12 months after the effective date, CBP will monitor the ISF-10 for timeliness, accuracy and completeness and will not issue any Do Not Load (DNL) or penalties. CBP has stated it will work with the ISF filers to help them adhere to the new requirements.

Finally, carriers will need to provide five additional data elements for shipments consisting entirely of foreign cargo remaining on board (FROB), intended to be transported in-bond as an immediate exportation (IE), or for transportation and exportation (T&E). The 5 additional data elements are: (1) Booking party, (2) Foreign port of unloading, (3) Place of delivery, (4) Ship to Party and (5) Commodity HTSUS number. APL will be submitting this information to CBP and it will be necessary for shippers or importers to provide the Commodity HTSUS number when placing a booking with us.

For more information on the 10+2 ruling, visit our website at: http://www.apl.com/security/html/10_plus_2_initiative.html

Please feel free to contact your local APL Sales or Customer Service representative if you have any questions or require further information on this matter.

Yours sincerely.