U.S. Customs Faces 10+2 Confusion

(Journal of Commerce – Peter T. Leach)

Agency reaching out to importers to explain the rules

With the new Importer Security Filing rule still in its shakedown period, Customs and Border Protection is trying to help importers figure out the rule and its own responses to application of the rule, known as 10+2 because of the 10 security data elements the agency now requires from importers and two from carriers 24 hours before a U.S.-bound container is loaded aboard a ship.

Richard DiNucci, director of the Secure Freight Initiative, told the annual Northeast Trade and Transportation Conference here Thursday the weekly filings of the 10+2 data have increased by 25% since the start of the rule on Jan. 26.

“About 70% to 80% of importers are filing, and some ports are 95% to 100% compliant,” he said. He said CBP is continuing to reach out to importers to explain the rules. He said that CBP will send out warning letters “shortly” to importers that are not in compliance with the rule but “will not penalize importers who have failed.” Read more here.