News
Japan's Ministry of Finance （MOF） recently unveiled the comments it had solicited from the general public in respect to introducing the so-called ''24-Hour Rule'' in Japan.
The 24-Hour Rule is a system under which detailed information on seaborne import containers are submitted as early as possible in a computerized format
The ministry invited comments from the general public on Nov. 9-30, 2011, during which time 222 views were submitted by 112 individuals.
According to the proposal made by the MOF's Customs and Tariff Bureau （CTB）, when the 24-Hour Rule is in force in Japan, the operators of oceangoing ships destined to Japan （shipping companies） and cargo senders （non-vessel-operating common carriers, or NVOCCs） will be required to send information on containerized shipments with which mainline vessels are loaded to the customs houses of destination ports via the Nippon Automated Cargo Clearance System （NACCS） at lease 24 hours in advance to when the ships leave foreign ports.
As for the deadline for reporting cargo information （manifests）, some of the comments made by the general public insisted on 12 hours or less for shortsea containers.
In reply to them, the CTB said it will take actual logistics situations into consideration as much as possible, but did not indicate a specific timeframe.
Others suggested that exceptions be made, including allowing exporters and imports that are certified as Authorized Economic Operators （AEOs） to present manifest data some time before mainline vessels arrive in Japan.
Regarding this suggestion, the CTB indicated it will continue to hold discussions with relevant parties, but did not say anything more than that.
As for sending detailed information on containers, some wanted items they must follow at the very least to be clarified.
In respect to this, the CTB stated that presenting detailed cargo information in advance means urging NVOCCs to submit information contained in house bills of lading （B/Ls）.
