We have now received the Minutes from the most recent Import ICS Industry Action Group Meeting No# 8.

 

Of importance is that the IAG sub-committee on Sea Cargo Reporting has been charged with the responsibility of going through the detail of a proposal from Customs to de-link Ocean Bill of Lading (OBL) matching within the 'Cascade Reporting' system.

 

This issue has been one of the main subjects of representation by AFIF and CBFCA to the Customs Minister and the Ceo. Customs has agreed with the principle for the change and will fast-track it's development. Essentially the outcome will be that the Cargo Reporter will report the OBL they have been provided and within the statutory reporting timeframes as required by law. Once the Shipping Line reports the OBL then this will be considered to be the accurate detail and Customs will match all relevant shipments under this OBL using other indicators (container nbr; vessel; voyage; HBL). The Cargo Reporter would not be required to retract and re-submit a new cargo Report.

 

We will report progress on this important development which, once implemented, will speed up and also increase 'compliance' requirements for Cascade Reporting.