Great White Fleet strives to provide you with security information that we hope will improve your shipping process.   As a member of the World Shipping Council, GWF receives frequent updates that we hope will assist you.   Many questions have been asked about the implementation of the 24 Rule.  In 2003, the 24 Hour Rule was implemented for import cargo, with discussion of applying it to export cargo in 2004.  It has been proposed that this Rule mandate the use of AES by U.S. Principal Parties in Interest (USPPIs).

 The Trade Act Final Rules noted that the export provisions of the Trade Act would require (USPPIs) to files SEDs electronically via the AES Commodity Module no later than 24 hours prior to departure of the exporting ocean carrier.  Customs' Final Rules also indicated that these export requirements would be implemented concurrently with the redesign of the AES Commodity Module and the effective date of final Census regulations mandating use of AES by USPPIs for filing SEDs.  The Final Rules suggested that these Census rules would take effect in "mid-2004". 
 
Compliance Dates:  Census officials reported that the proposed rules to mandate use of AES by USPPIs for filing SEDs have been delayed in the interagency regulatory approval process.  As a result, Census will proceed with the release of its redesigned AES Commodity Module before issuing rules mandating the use of AES.  The implementation of the redesigned AES Commodity Module (which will improve the process for filing SEDs by USPPIs) will begin in late March and is expected to be fully operational starting June 8, 2004.  Census predicts that a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) mandating use of AES by USPPIs will be published in the Federal Register in "late spring" and will be followed by a 60 day comment period.  The agency then hopes to review comments, make changes to the rules and publish the Final Rules in October or November of 2004.  Census advised that a 90-day implementation period would follow the Final Rules, thus mandating use of AES by USPPIs for filing SEDs by early 2005.
 
Ocean Carrier Responsibilities will be responsible to perform two functions.  First, carriers will be expected to annotate on the export manifest the PPI's electronic filing citation (the Internal Transaction Number or ITN), the low-risk exporter citation (currently called the Option 4 filing citation) or the exemption statement (for exports not requiring an SED).   Second, the Final Rules will stipulate that exporting carriers may not load cargo without first receiving from the USPPI or its authorized agent either the electronic filing citation, low-risk exporter citation or an appropriate exemption statement. 

As the final Rule is communicated, GWF will advise our Customers of required information and cut-offs to ensure your cargo sails on scheduled dates.   If you should have any questions, please contact GWF Customer Service.  We will continue to update you on new measures and initiatives.