On January 26th, 2009, the rules governing international commerce will change drastically. On this date the Importer Security Filing (ISF) initiative known as “10 2” will go into effect. This rule was issued to fulfill the SAFE Port Act’s mandate to increase the security of cargo entering The United States by vessel. It allows U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) to assess the risk of all cargo before it enters the territory of The United States. This shift in policy may affect the timely delivery of your ocean cargo.

The new ruling requires that ten (10) data elements and two (2) carrier elements (hence, “10 2”) be filed 24 hours PRIOR TO CARGO BEING LADEN ON A VESSEL DESTINED FOR THE U.S.

The 10 non-carrier data elements are as follows:

1. Manufacturer or supplier’s name and address

2. Seller’s name and address

3. Buyer’s name and address

4. Ship-to-party’s name and address

5. Container Stuffing Location (Name and address of the physical location where the goods were stuffed into the container.)

6. Consolidator (Name and address of the party who stuffed the container or arranged for the stuffing of the container.)

7. Importer of Record Identification Number (IRS, EIN, SSN or other CBP assigned number for the importer of record.)

8. Consignee’s Identification Number (IRS, EIN, SSN or other CBP assigned number for the firm on whose account the merchandise is shipped.)

9. Country of Origin (Country of manufacture, production or growth of the article based upon the import laws of the U.S.)

10. Harmonized Tariff Schedule Number (Specific classification code that identifies the particular commodity being shipped to CBP.

It is important to note that CBP has deemed it the responsibility of the Importer to file this information or designate an agent to do so on their behalf. We at Westar International are dedicated to partnering with our clients to assist in the procedural changes necessary to comply with the new regulations and are prepared to make the required ISF filings on your behalf as a service to you.

We welcome the opportunity to guide you through the upcoming changes and are here to offer our assistance in ensuring that your shipping needs are met and that your valuable freight is secure and delivered on time…every time.

For more information regarding the new Customs & Border Protection security initiative “10 2” please visit http://www.cbp.gov or contact Westar International directly at 1-800-577-4910.

We look forward to working with you and as always, thank you for your business!