see also: in January 2008:   Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism: A Year in Review   CBP, National Guard Announce Super Bowl Flight Restrictions   Cooperation Leads to Apprehension of International Fugitive   Border Patrol Seizes $109,944 Stashed in Vehicle   CBP Arrests Fugitive Arriving from Dominican into Puerto Rico   CBP and ICE Donate Thousands of Shoes to Charity   Operation Uniforce 8 ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers   Security Filing "10+2" on dhs.gov site:   Importer Security Filing and Additional Carrier Requirements   Importer Security Filing and Additional Carrier Requirements; Correction on the web:   Regulations.gov

contacts for this news release

Washington — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has published on January 2, 2008 a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) requiring importers and carriers to electronically submit additional information on cargo before it is brought into the United States by vessel. The Security Filing, also known as “10+2,” is another step in the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) strategy to better assess and identify high-risk shipments to prevent terrorist weapons and materials from entering the United States. ( Importer Security Filing and Additional Carrier Requirements )
( Importer Security Filing and Additional Carrier Requirements; Correction )

“The Security Filing will improve CBP’s ability to target high-risk cargo by identifying actual cargo movements and improving the accuracy of cargo descriptions,” said CBP Commissioner W. Ralph Basham. “It will also improve our ability to facilitate lawful international trade by identifying low-risk shipments much earlier in the supply chain.”

This initiative strengthens cargo security by making CBP screening more efficient and effective. CBP has implemented a comprehensive, multi-layered cargo security strategy designed to enhance national security while protecting the economic vitality of the United States. These efforts include the 24-hour Manifest Rule, Container Security Initiative, Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism, Non-Intrusive Inspection Techniques, Automated Targeting System, the Secure Freight Initiative, and the National Targeting Center.

The proposed regulation will require carriers to submit “10+2” additional pieces of information in order to enhance the security of the maritime environment. The additional information includes: (1) a vessel stow plan used to transmit information about the physical location of cargo loaded aboard a vessel bound for the U.S; and (2) container status messages, which report container movements and changes in status (e.g., empty or full).

In addition, the NPRM also requires importers to submit an “Importer Security Filing” containing the following 10 data elements:

• Manufacturer (or supplier) name and address
• Seller (or owner) name and address
• Buyer (or owner) name and address
• Ship-to name and address
• Container stuffing location
• Consolidator (stuffer) name and address
• Importer of record number/foreign trade zone applicant identification number
• Consignee number(s)
• Country of origin, and
• Commodity Harmonized Tariff Schedule number

Currently, CBP relies primarily on carrier manifest information to perform advance targeting prior to vessel loading. Internal and external reviews have concluded that more complete advance shipment data would produce more accurate and effective cargo risk assessments. This way resources can be focused on true threats and legitimate cargo can speed through the system as quickly as possible.

The proposed regulation is intended to satisfy provisions outlined in the Security and Accountability for Every Port Act of 2006, which require the submission of additional data elements for improved high-risk targeting.

The NPRM will soon be published in the Federal Register. Persons wishing to comment on the proposed rule may access the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal at the Regulations.gov website and follow the instructions for submitting comments to docket number USCBP-2007-0077. ( Regulations.gov )

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.