MOL reported that nearly 100 percent of its customers shipping cargo onboard U.S. bound vessels are in full compliance with U.S. Customs’ new Advance Manifest Rule. The rule requires detailed manifest information to be filed with U.S. Customs at least 24 hours before goods are loaded on vessels bound for the U.S.
“MOL is 100 percent committed to complying with all of U.S. Custom’s security requirements, while maintaining the “just-in-time delivery” speed crucial to the stability of our economy. The new 24-hour rule provides our industry with an important security shield, which, with due diligence, allows us to deliver shipments to our customers on time,” said James Galligan, VP trade & Marketing, Security Officer, MOL (America) Inc.
While the advance manifest rule went into effect on December 2, 2002, U.S. Customs did not begin enforcing the rule until February 2, 2003. MOL used the 60-day non-enforcement period to enhance its internal computer systems to accommodate the new rule. Additionally, the grace period was used by MOL to train its personnel on the use of the systems enhancements, and to work closely with customers to educate them about the rule.
“We have worked closely with our customers to ensure they submit their documents to us complete and on time. This is essential to ensuring that our customers avoid facing monetary penalties and/or missed vessels,” said JoAnn Yourcheck, Director, Business Process, MOL (America) Inc. “I would like to commend our customers, as well as, our own personnel for making the necessary changes to their business processes to comply with this rule,” Yourcheck concluded.