China Customs Advance Manifest (CCAM) Regulations Beginning January 1st, 2009

Do you ship to or from China? There are new customs procedures that can prevent the loading or offloading of your cargo.

On January 1st, 2009 a new regulation for Advance Manifest Transmission called “China Customs Advance Manifest” (CCAM) takes effect. This regulation applies to all import, export and transshipped cargo via any China Mainland port or airport.

CCAM applies to all modes of transport (Ocean, Air, Road and Rail) though Rail and Road implementation will be delayed until 2010. Regulations at this time do not include shipments into or out of Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, only the People’s Republic of China.

The new regulations will begin with a “grace period” that will last 3 months where no penalties will be applied. There is some possibility the grace period may be extended until the end of June but this has not yet been confirmed.

5 documents required for submission:

1. Application form
2. Samples of bill of lading and shipping order
3. Relevant business stamps
4. Copy of license or certificate of qualifications
5. Any additional documents required for a specific shipment

Minimum time required for document submission before the first port of call:

• Ship: 24 hours
• Plane: 4 hours
• Train: 2 hours
• Vehicle: 1 hour

Minimum time for submission of documents before loading:

• Ship: Container 24 hours, Non-contatiner 2 hours
• Plane: 4 hours
• Train: 2 hours
• Vehicle: 1 hour

Data can be modified, after submission, if necessary with the following documents then required:

• Manifest Modification Application Form
• Copy of Bill of Lading (Original to be presented to Customs for verification)
• Proper paper Manifest with the seal of the Manifest Transferor
• Any other documentation proving the reason for the modification

Upon submission of your data Customs will notify the manifest transferor if they can load or unload the cargo.

So far, non-compliance only means you will not be permitted to load or offload your cargo. Monetary penalties have not yet been published.

Check with your freight forwarder, customer or vendor when shipping to or from China to make sure you are in compliance. As with any new regulations, be sure to look for updates in the coming months.

Source: USDA.gov