Importer Security Rule.pdf

The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has issued an interim final rule requiring importers and carriers to submit additional information about cargo being transported to the US by vessel. The rule aims to improve CBP's ability to identify high-risk shipments and prevent smuggling and ensure cargo safety and security. Key aspects of the rule include:

Importers and carriers must submit information to CBP via an approved electronic data interchange system prior to lading cargo at foreign ports of entry.
The required information includes vessel stow plans, container status messages, and other data elements.
The rule applies to all cargo being transported to the US by vessel, including foreign cargo remaining on board (FROB), immediate exportation (IE), and transportation and exportation (T&E) in-bond shipments.
The compliance dates for the regulations are set forth in § 4.7c(d), 4.7d(f), and 149.2(g), with an effective date of January 26, 2009.
* Comments on the rule are requested and must be received on or before June 1, 2009.

The rule fulfills the requirements of section 203 of the Security and Accountability for Every (SAFE) Port Act of 2006 and section 343(a) of the Trade Act of 2002, as amended by the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002. The CBP will review and respond to comments received on the rule, and will consider revisions to the rule as necessary.