A massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake rocked Chile early on Saturday, February 27, leaving hundreds of people dead, destroying parts of southern Chile and triggering tsunami warnings for the entire Pacific basin. The earthquake was centered around the Maule and Bio regions in Southern Chile. Maule is the largest winemaking region in Chile. The majority of the deaths that occurred were in the Maule region. This region has been devastated.

We are expecting some shipments to be delayed as a result of this catastrophe. Although the road from Mendoza to Valparaiso is still intact, many of the North/South roads in Chile have been destroyed due to the earthquake. Additionally, the city of Santiago is in a state of disarray. It has been reported that more than one million people are currently without power. Aftershocks are continuing, so all operations remain in a state of flux.

 

From the information we have received from our colleagues in Chile, we estimate that it will be one to two days until operations partially resume at the two major container ports of Valparaiso and San Antonio. In the event that your shipments are delayed, you will be advised by your dedicated AMC representative.

We have been advised that all Le Havre Port Operations have stopped since Febuary 10th at 6PM.

Per the attached pictures, snow and sleet are preventing containers from being loaded and unloaded in a timely manner.

 

In the event that your shipments are delayed, you will be advised by your dedicated AMC representative.

We have been advised that the dockworkers of the French container ports of LeHavre and Marseilles will be on strike on January 18th. Dockworkers have already striked on January 4th and 11th. These strikes have been called to protest the government's pledge to create 30,000 new jobs as as part of a reform policy at publicly owned ports.

Additionally, weather conditions in Le Havre have been severe in Janaury. Snow and sleet are preventing containers from being loaded and unloaded in a timely manner.

 

With these two conditions, please note that some delays may take place. In the event that your shipments are delayed, you will be advised by your dedicated AMC representative.

Per the government, ISF must be filed for all containerized goods that are to be laden on or after 12:01 A.M. on January 27, 2010.  ISF must be filed a minimum of 24 hours prior to the sailing of the vessel.

What is ISF?

ISF stands for Importer Security Filing, and is also referred to as 10+2.

10 data elements are provided by the ultimate consignee (importer) of the goods:

(1) Seller;

(2) Buyer;

(3) Importer of record number;

(4) Consignee number(s);

(5) Manufacturer (or supplier);

(6) Ship to party;

(7) Country of origin;

(8) Commodity Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) number;

(9) Container stuffing location;

(10) Consolidator (stuffer).

 + 2 elements are provided by the steamship line:

(1) Vessel Stow Plan;

(2) Container Status Messages.

There is also an 11th  shared element which links the Importer data to the Steamship Line data.  The 11th element is:

(11) The House Bill of Lading Number.

Importer Liability

Per the government, the importer is ultimately responsible for the timely, accurate, and complete submission of the Importer Security Filing.  An importer can be fined $5,000 for each the following events on each ISF transmission:

(1) Failure to file

(2) Late filing

(3) Inaccurate filing

(4) Inaccurate update to the original filing

(5) Failure to withdraw an ISF in the event that a shipment does not ship

Additionally, if an ISF has not been filed, CBP shall withhold the release or transfer of the cargo until they receive the required information.  CBP also has right to not permit unlading of merchandise if no ISF has been filed.  If cargo is unladed without permission and no ISF has been filed, the cargo may be subject to seizure.

Why you should choose AMC to assist you with your ISF

Our order management system is online with US Customs and has dedicated fields for each of the data elements required by CBP.  AMC transmits your data directly to CBP to reduce any conflicts or errors which can be caused by using third party software.  To date, AMC has transmitted thousands of ISF to CBP.

Our online track and trace provides real time visibility of the ISF status of each of your orders.  24 hours a day, you can go to www.amctransport.com and see in seconds that ISF has been transmitted and accepted by the CBP.  This data is updated and available to you in real time.

AMC is an actively participating C-TPAT member.  CBP has advised that C-TPAT membership will be a mitigating factor in the event of any penalties.  AMC recommends that all of it’s customers join the C-TPAT program.

For over 45 years, AMC is the reliable transporter of wine and spirits for companies across the World.  As an established company that handles a large volume of goods, you can be certain that AMC will manage your shipment data with the utmost attentiveness, accuracy and care.

Next steps

AMC strongly recommends that all Importers transmit the ISF data for all shipments, beginning immediately.  CBP has advised that those companies that show evidence of progress in the implementation of ISF requirements will be looked upon favorably when the ruling is enforced.  In other words, if you are filing accurate and timely ISF data prior to January 26th, 2010, your company will be in a better position than those companies which are waiting until the last minute.

With the implementation of 10+2, the US Importer will be responsible for providing CBP with the required data.  With your assistance, AMC is prepared and ready to transmit this data on your behalf.

To begin transmitting your ISF with AMC, please contact our Director of Compliance, Mr. Jason Zotos at 212-629-3017 or at JZotos@US-amctransport.com

If you have any questions or need any assistance, feel free to contact us.