24 HOUR RULE

Frequently Asked Questions

   The U.S.Customs Service has received numerous questions concerning the 24-hour advance manifest regulation. Customs has provided responses for the most frequently asked questions.

    Q: The enforcement date for the new regulations is Feb. 1. Please confirm that this means the enforcement actions apply to vessels loading on or after that date and not to vessels that have loaded before that date but not yet arrived in the U.S.

   Answer: Carriers and/or automated NVOCC ’s will be subject to enforcement actions for any vessel beginning the voyage on or after Feb. 1. Any vessel that is beginning the entire voyage on or after is subject to full obligation of the 24-hour manifest rule.

    Q: How does the application of this rule differ between CSI and non-CSI ports? How will holds on cargo from non-CSI ports be handled? Besides electronic messages through AMS, how will Customs notify origin ports of cargo to be held or examined?

   Answer: Requirements for implementation of the 24-hour rule at CSI and non-CSI ports will be the same for vessel AMS participants. For non-automated carriers at CSI ports, paper manifests will be presented to U.S. Customs personnel at a designated location in these ports. For non-automated carriers at non-CSI ports, paper cargo declaration must be presented to each port of unlading in the United States 24-hours prior to lading in the foreign port. Non-automated vessel carriers may enlist the automated services of a Vessel Agent, Service Provider, local Port Authority, or a business partner in the United States . The domestic party in receipt would deliver ...

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