Whilst China has introduced an Advance Manifest System (AMS), effective as of January 1st, 2009, there is little specific detail to advise and no penalties for non-compliance yet.

The World industry body - FIATA - has tried on behalf of its constituent members, including Australia, to get clearer information as to the exact procedure of the new Advance Manifest System, and has been in constant contact with colleagues Hong Kong and Beijing but unfortunately for the time being FIATA has been unable to obtain official English language translation of the rulings.

The World industry body - FIATA - has tried on behalf of its constituent members, including Australia, to get clearer information as to the exact procedure of the new Advance Manifest System, and has been in constant contact with colleagues Hong Kong and Beijing but unfortunately for the time being FIATA has been unable to obtain official English language translation of the rulings.

Some key data elements are as follows:

1. To declare piece count/package type/commodity/gross weight/measurement per container.
2. To declare multiple commodities/HS codes by sequence.
3. To declare the harmonization code at least first 6 digits.
4. To declare completed information on Shipper/Consignee/Notify party as follows:

Company Name:
Address:
City/Province:
Postcode:
Country:
Communication type & number:

Company name of Shipper/Consignee is mandatory data required by China Customs.
If consignee is "To order", that company name/address/city or province/Postcode/country/communication type & number for "Notify Party" are required.

5. In the case of hazardous cargo, emergency contact person and telephone number are requested.

Even though China Customs appears to have granted an unofficial grace period of 3-6 months during which carriers, freight forwarders, shippers or consignees will not be penalised for errors or failure to comply, the new regulation definitely brings changes to the transportation processes for shipments to China. In order to comply with these new China Customs requirements, FIATA suggests that shippers and/or freight forwarders pay special attention to provide completed data before carriers stated cut off times.

We will continue to monitor the development together with FIATA and the Association members in China and Hong Kong and keep you posted in due course.

Of interest, a recent article appeared in a recent issue of The American Shipper, which may be of interest.

Click here to read the article.

Please advise all concerned.

Thanks and regards.