News
Japan's Ministry of Finance (MOF) recently unveiled a summarized report on how Japan can pursue its goal of facilitating trade and ensuring security in international logistics at the same time.
The committee on tariffs?an organization under the ministry’s Council on Customs, Tariff, Foreign Exchange and Other Transactions?met on Oct. 25, 2011, at which time the report was released.
It is suggested in the report, which the working group on trade facilitation?another group located under the council?had worked on since April, that Japan make the following efforts to obtain detailed information on seaborne import containers as early as possible in a computerized format, a challenge to overcome to launch a Japanese version of the so-called 24-hour rule.
The report insists that in principle, cargo information be submitted at least 24 hours in advance to when vessels are loaded with containers at foreign ports.
However, in respect to imports from neighboring countries, the report indicates that it is desirable to be as flexible as possible to reflect the actual realities of logistics, while ensuring security of global levels.
To obtain detailed cargo information, it is necessary to refer to existing frameworks and other countries, according to the report.
It is also important to have senders present, among others, details of items, numbers to define products (HS 6-digit), seal numbers, stopover countries and information on senders themselves and consignees (including mailing addresses and telephone numbers), as they can all be important factors when risk levels are examined.
The report also advises that it is necessary to strive to have consigners submit not only master bill-of-lading (B/L) information, but also house B/L information in an electronic format.
