Freight forwarders and shippers have been reminded that new security regulations came into force in the United States last week. From midnight October 14, all laden maritime containers in transit to the United States must be sealed with a high security seal that meets the ISO standard ISO/PAS 17712. At present, non-laden and non-standard containers, such as open-top and tank containers, are considered exempt from these requirements. Peter Quantrill, British International Freight Association director general, warns that the rules are not just to be imposed on containers destined for the USA. “Forwarders must be aware that even if your container is only transiting the US, with a destination in a third country, it must also satisfy these requirements.” In general terms, the standard requires that the seal meets or exceeds certain standards for strength and durability and is clearly marked with a unique identification number. Carriers are obliged to transmit all seal numbers to US Customs Border Protection (CBP) 24 hours before cargo is laden aboard a vessel at a foreign port, via the Vessel Automated Manifest System (AMS).
