New Advance Filing Rules (AFR)

Japan’s amended customs law, which enacts the new Advance Filing Rules, entered into force on 10th March 2014.

The Advance Filing Rules (AFR) are introduced to enhance the security levels of international shipments entering Japan. The Rules require vessels bound for Japan to electronically submit manifest information for containerised cargo due to be unloaded in a Japanese port. The cargo manifest must be filed with the Japan customs authorities, in principle no later than 24 hours before a vessel’s departure from its originating port. A few exceptions exist for short-sea shipping routes, e.g. from South Korea and Northern China, to certain Japanese ports – details can be found at the following link: http://www.customs.go.jp/english/summary/advance/annex02.pdf.

Information about the AFR, the electronic filing system and the data required to be filed can be found at Japan Customs homepage: http://www.customs.go.jp/english/summary/advance/index.htm

Members and clients calling at ports in Japan to unload containerised cargo are advised to take note of the above requirements. Vessels arriving without having complied with the new requirements, or having provided incorrect information, are subject to penalties by the Japanese authorities and may not be allowed to discharge their containerised cargo. Individuals could face imprisonment of up to one year, or a fine not exceeding JPY 500,000.

The following websites contain further information on the AFR:

•Advance Filing Rule – Bulletin Board: http://www.naccscenter.com/afr/
•FAQs on the AFR: http://www.customs.go.jp/english/summary/advance/04.pdf
•Data Element to be filed: http://www.customs.go.jp/english/summary/advance/annex03.pdf
•Unacceptable Cargo Description: http://www.customs.go.jp/english/summary/advance/annex09.pdf