A new China Customs Regulations NO. 172 has been published in China that states:

Beginning on January 1, 2009, China Customs will require that all carriers' manifest details be filed electronically in advance of the vessel or aircraft loading.

All ocean carriers will be required to submit their full shipment manifest (electronically) 24-hours PRIOR to the vessel loading at the PORT of LOADING.

All airfreight Carriers will be required to submit their full shipment manifests (electronically) that has an ETA of less than 4 hours from the departure point PRIOR to departure. For airfreight that has an ETA of greater than 4 hours from the departure point, the manifest must be submitted PRIOR to the arrival at the first Port in China.

Please note, that there is no grace period to adjust to this new regulation.

Currently, import manifests are submitted to the Chinese Customs Agency 48-hours prior to the vessel arriving at the port of DISCHARGE.

This regulation will require an adjustment to the current timeline with the carriers having to file their manifest in advance electronically.

This change will impact all ocean and air shipments by pushing back the demand for shipment details, forcing exporters to examine their current business process for data availability. Planning should be reviewed for the ability to have the bill of lading details submitted to the carrier at least 24 hours after cargo delivery to the pier or 36-48 hours prior to vessel loading and at least 6 hour prior for air freight orders.

Carriers not having the full shipment details will bring about delays and possible additional costs in the shipping of all cargoes that are destined for China.

We will continue to monitor this regulation for any changes and continue to advise you on how it will affect your future shipments into China.

Thank you,

Your BDP International Regulatory Compliance Team