Descartes has successfully completed all levels of testing with NACCS, is ready for March 1, 2014 new mandate go-live for Japan’s Advance Filing Rule, JP24

Descartes has successfully completed all levels of testing with NACCS and is ready for the March 1, 2014, new mandate go-live for Japan’s Advance Filing Rule, also known as JP24. Many leading ocean carriers and non-vessel operating common carriers (NVOCCs) have selected Descartes' Japan Ocean Advanced Filing Rule (AFR) solution to help them comply with Japan's new advanced cargo security initiative, which takes effect March 10, 2014.

What is Japan’s AFR Mandate?

On March 30, 2012, Japan's primary legislative body, the National Diet, enacted a law that will require additional advanced information for cargo bound for its ports. On May 25, 2012, Japan Customs announced that it would take action to enact the law. At this time, the requirements are expected to be for maritime or ocean cargo only. When fully enacted in March 2014, the rules will amend the current regulation by calling for robust information.

Japan's AFR mandate requires ocean carriers and NVOCCs to electronically submit data to Japan Customs on maritime container cargo intended for a port in Japan no later than 24 hours before departure of the vessel from the port of loading. For this reason, Japan Ocean AFR is also known as the Japanese Ocean 24-Hour Rule, or JP24 for short.

Descartes' Japan Ocean AFR solution

Descartes is focused on working with our customers and regulatory agencies around the world to help ensure the efficient and secure movement of shipments across international borders. We were the first logistics technology provider to work with the Nippon Automated Cargo and Port Consolidated System (NACCS) Center to electronically submit manifest information to Japan Customs and, as of the end of last month, we have successfully completed all technology test phases with Japan Customs. NACCS began its privatization process in October of 2008 and is the sole organization responsible for planning, creating and operating systems for the electronic processing of import- and export-related data for the Japanese government.

Descartes' Japan Ocean AFR solution helps logistics providers, large and small, to cost-effectively meet the new filing requirements. Descartes' Japan Ocean AFR solution leverages our extensive experience in cargo security compliance and is built upon our existing technology platform. It also utilizes Descartes' Global Logistics Network (GLN), the world's largest multi-modal logistics messaging network, to connect ocean carriers and NVOCCs to their trading partners to efficiently gather the information required for filings.

Leading carriers and NVOCCs adopting Descartes’ new Japan AFR service include:

  • AC Container Line;
  • Aqualine International;
  • Dimerco Express Group;
  • Kintetsu World Express;
  • MIQ Logistics Japan;
  • Mitsubishi Logistics;
  • MOL Logistics;
  • Schenker;
  • Sumisho Global Logistics Japan;
  • Tokyo Sanyu Shipping; and
  • Zim Integrated Shipping Services.

For more information, please visit Descartes' Ocean Japan AFR online resource center at: https://www.descartes.com/resources/download-center/descartes-japan-oceantm-advance-filing-rules-descartes-japan-oceantm-afr

Written by Ken Wood

Executive Vice President, Product Strategy at Descartes