Product Information

Descartes Japan Ocean Advance Filing Rules (AFR)

Meeting Japan Customs Advanced Manifest Requirements

Japan’s Ministry of Finance’s Customs and Tariff Bureau (Japan Customs) has recently announced that it will be requiring more detailed information for maritime cargo entering its ports. The new regulations, called Japan’s Ocean Advance Filing Rules (AFR), state that ocean carriers and Non-vessel Operating Common Carriers (NVOCCs) must electronically transmit advanced manifest information at least 24-hours before vessel departure from a foreign port.

The rulings, also known as JP24, closely mirror requirements already in place in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the European Union and elsewhere. When in effect, the regulations will require shippers to submit the required data elements via the Nippon Automated Cargo and Port Consolidated System, Inc. (NACCS Center), an entity responsible for import/export processes and customs-clearance services in Japan.

Descartes was the first logistics and supply chain service provider to sign with the NACCS Center to ensure compliance with this new initiative. With a history of offering a flexible range of solutions to meet regulatory requirements, our solution enables manual entry of cargo manifest information, through to a tightly-integrated, system-to-system connection via Electronic Data Interchange (EDI).

Our offering for Japan Ocean AFR compliance also features advanced data validation and seamless transmission of the required manifest information to Japan Customs via the NACCS Center’s data interchange.

Descartes Japan Ocean AFR solution leverages the Descartes Global Logistics Network™ (Descartes GLN™), which allows the world’s leading transportation providers to connect to their trading partners, reliably exchange information, drive-up delivery performance and ensure world-class customer service. The Descartes GLN helps companies better manage end-to-end logistics processes, track and manage inventory, meet regulatory requirements, optimize fleet performance and effectively collaborate with global partners.

“This is the first time we’ve signed an agreement with an overseas service provider since NACCS Center was founded in 1977. We can call it a big step forward for global activity.” - Mr. Takuo Yoshimoto, President & CEO, NACCS Center

Descartes Ocean Japan AFR solution helps users easily:

• Leverage the Descartes GLN to distribute Customs messages and status information to clients
• Manage shipment information and electronically submit manifest data to Japan Customs via the NACCS Center.

Features
Descartes offers users a choice of flexible options to ensure compliance including:

Option 1 – An advanced, tightly-integrated, system-to-system EDI connection
Option 2 – For customers who cannot create an electronic, structured message or who prefer manual data entry, Descartes also offers web-based options that allow users to key-in information which mirrors the same basic fields commonly found in trade documentation, including Bills of Lading (BOLs), container number, port of origin and more.

Potential Benefits
With Descartes, ocean carriers and NVOCCs can potentially:

• Reduce the risk of errors, delays and possible penalties
• Improve efficiency and productivity by leveraging a single point of access
• Attain global visibility with real-time access to cargo statuses

NACCS

Center

Japan Customs

Descartes Japan Ocean AFR solution helps users easily manage shipment information and electronically submit manifest data to Japan Customs via the NACCS Center.