SHIPPING INTERESTS are now examining new developments coming out of the United States, which relate to the transmission of manifests and the Bills of Lading.
Based on reports, new regulations will require that all countries, which import cargo to the United States, must provide the US Customs with Manifests 24 hours before loading cargo. Therefore all documents would get to the US Customs 48 before the loading of vessels. The new regulations should come into force on December 2 and the industry is making efforts to be abreast and fully understand the implications of the new measures.
Members of the Shipping Association of Jamaica including shipping agents, terminal/wharf operators, freight consolidators and forwarders, warehouse operators, recently held discussion on the matter and agreed to source additional information to help guide compliance. Exporters are also being encouraged to co-operate, as agents seek to comply with these guidelines.
Also participating in the meeting were representatives of the Contraband Enforcement Team, Customs Brokers Association and the Freight Forwarders Association of Jamaica.
