Export Documentation Compliance and the 24 Hour Rule

Export Documentation Compliance and the 24 Hour Rule

This is a brief explanation of our policy referred to as the “No Docs No Load”. The policy is an industry term that is part of the compliance for export cargo as provided for by the 24 Hour Rule which was implemented by the US Government in the wake of the September 9/11 attacks.

The 24 Hour Rule

The 24 Hour-Rule has been implemented by U.S. Government in the wake of 9/11 attacks.

Since the rule came into effect in December 2002 Ocean Carriers, OTI’s, Freight Forwarders and NVOCC’s (Non Vessel Operating Common Carrier, if registered for it) have to transmit electronically cargo manifest data 24 hours prior to vessel departure.

If this data is not transmitted at least 24 hours prior to loading at the port of departure into the U.S.Customs’ system “AMS”, high fines will be imposed by CBP (U.S. Customs and Border Protection).

Thus Stingray Trading has implemented a “No Doc-No Load” policy.

The following container data has to be transmitted to AMS.

• Container discharged in a U.S. port and
• The so called “FROB-container” (Foreign cargo Remaining On Board) which stays on board of the vessel, while serving an U.S. port.

Vessel Manifest transmission must to be carried out as follows:

• Master Bills of Lading transmitted by Ocean Carriers
• House Bills of Lading transmitted by NVOCC’s (Non Vessel Operating Common Carrier) as long as registered for it. Otherwise transmission of House Bills of Lading additionally has to be done by the Ocean Carrier.

Stingray Trading has implemented the necessary system adjustments in order to arrange manifest transmission smoothly and within the rules of compliance.

It is of the utmost importance to receive from you the required shipping instructions and export documentation by our documentation department 24 hours prior to shipping. Primarily these documents are the Shippers Letter of Instruction (SLOI), Commercial Invoice and or packing list.

We would like to emphasize also that incorrect, misleading or missing data can also generate fines and penalties by U.S Customs authorities (U.S. Customs and Border Protection).

If you should have any other questions whatsoever please do not hesitate to contact us at Exportdocs@manrayexpress.com.