The General Administration of Customs of the People\’s Republic of China (GAC) to improve the capability to detect suspicious shipments prior to their physical entrance into China, has made an adjustment to the manifest rules for all imports and exports sea and air shipments in the country.
On the 1 June 2018 the new rule regarding electronic manifest submissions timing for all shipments transiting Chinese ports came into effect.
• Ocean Freight – Manifest submissions should be made electronically 24 hours prior to loading onto container vessels
• Air Freight – Manifest submission should be made electronically 4 hours prior to loading onto flight.
The submission must accurately and completely reflect the goods under the Bill of Lading and Waybills, whilst full contact details of both the shipper and consignee are required.
The additional data elements which are required are as follows:
| New Data Elements | Requirement | |
| For Shipper | Company Name | Mandatory |
| Company Code | Mandatory | |
| Phone Number | Mandatory | |
| AEO Status | Optional | |
| For Consignee | Company Name | Mandatory if not “TO ORDER” |
| Company Code | Mandatory if not “TO ORDER” | |
| Phone Number | Mandatory if not “TO ORDER” | |
| Contact person Name and number | Mandatory if not “TO ORDER” | |
| AEO Status | Optional | |
| For Notify | Company Name | Mandatory if not “TO ORDER” |
| Company Code | Mandatory if not “TO ORDER” | |
| Contact person Name and number | Mandatory if not “TO ORDER” |
China Customs plans to enforce advanced manifest submissions rules, possibly with penalties for late or insufficient filings.
Some carriers have announced that the failure to comply with this new regulation will result in either the non-shipment of cargo from port of loading, or the risk of cargo being held or rejected by the Chinese Customs authorities.
To ensure compliance with the updated rules and smooth transit of your goods, please do not hesitate to contact us.