News
The Ministry of Finance (MOF)’s Customs and Tariff Bureau recently made an announcement on the Advanced Filing Rules, or the Japanese version of the so-called 24-Hour Rule, on the Web site of the Japan Customs, stressing that the rules be complied strictly. It also suggested that shippers and relevant parties not provide inappropriate information via e-mail. The announcement is attracting attention as a step toward applying the AFS more rigorously in the future.
Taking effect on March 10, 2014, the Advanced Filing Rules require shipping companies and non-vessel-operating common carriers (NVOCCs) to file information on oceangoing containerized shipments to be transported by sea to Japan. According to the rules, information must be presented by electronic means to local customhouses in Japan, in principle, at least 24 hours before vessels carrying containers depart ports of origin in other countries.
The Japanese Customs Act calls for penalties against parties that do not submit cargo information in time and those that submit false information. However, no penalties have been imposed so far against parties not making reports or making reports that did not agree with cargo contents.
