U.S. To Require More Electronic Data For Ships Entering PortU.S. To Require More Electronic Data For Ships Entering Port

U.S. Customs and Border Protection proposed rules this week that will require importers and shippers to submit electronic security filings for products entering the United States.

CBP said it plans to publish the proposed requirements in the Federal Register. The proposal is part of the Department of Homeland Security's overall aim to improve identification of high-risk shipments and prevent terrorists from bringing weapons and dangerous materials into the United States.

It is also part of CBP's larger plan to improve cargo security. The CBP has already implemented a 24-hour Manifest Rule, a Container Security Initiative, a Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism, Non-Intrusive Inspection Techniques, the Automated Targeting System, the Secure Freight Initiative, and the National Targeting Center.

The latest proposal would require maritime carriers to submit vessel stow plans showing where cargo is stored in carriers coming to the United States and container status messages indicating whether containers are empty or full.

The rule would also require importers to submit "Importer Security Filings" with names and addresses of manufacturers or suppliers, sellers, buyers, and receivers. Importers would also have to provide identification numbers for themselves as well as consignees numbers. They would also have to include other originating information, such as where their containers were filled and by whom.

"The Security Filing will improve CBP's ability to target high-risk cargo by identifying actual cargo movements and improving the accuracy of cargo descriptions," CBP commissioner W. Ralph Basham, said in an announcement. "It will also improve our ability to facilitate lawful international trade by identifying low-risk shipments much earlier in the supply chain."

CBP officials said the advance shipment data would allow accurate cargo risk assessments than carrier manifests, while allowing legitimate cargo through the ports more quickly.