Proposed '10+2' Rule Aims to Enhance Cargo Risk Assessments
A Notice of Proposed Rulemaking was published on Jan. 2 in the Federal Register, requiring importers and carriers to electronically submit additional information on cargo before it is brought into the United States by vessel. The Security Filing, also known as "10+2," is another step in the Department of Homeland Security strategy to better assess and identify high-risk shipments to prevent terrorist weapons and materials from entering the United States.
"The Security Filing will improve CBP's ability to target high-risk cargo by identifying actual cargo movements and improving the accuracy of cargo descriptions," said Customs and Border Protection Commissioner W. Ralph Basham. "It will also improve our ability to facilitate lawful international trade by identifying low-risk shipments much earlier in the supply chain."
This initiative is designed to strengthen cargo security by making CBP screening more efficient and effective, the agency says. The proposed regulation will require carriers to submit "10+2" additional pieces of information in order to enhance the security of the maritime environment. The additional information includes: (1) a vessel stow plan used to transmit information about the physical location of cargo loaded aboard a vessel bound for the United States; and (2) container status messages, which report container movements and changes in status (e.g., empty or full). In addition, the NPRM also requires importers to submit an "Importer Security Filing" containing the following 10 data elements:
--Manufacturer (or supplier) name and address
--Seller (or owner) name and address
--Buyer (or owner) name and address
--Ship-to name and address
--Container stuffing location
--Consolidator (stuffer) name and address
--Importer of record number/foreign trade zone applicant identification number
--Consignee number(s)
--Country of origin, and
--Commodity Harmonized Tariff Schedule number
Currently, CBP relies primarily on carrier manifest information to perform advance targeting prior to vessel loading. Internal and external reviews have concluded that more complete advance shipment data would produce more accurate and effective cargo risk assessments. This way, resources can be focused on true threats and legitimate cargo can speed through the system as quickly as possible. The proposed regulation is intended to satisfy provisions outlined in the Security and Accountability for Every Port Act of 2006, which require the submission of additional data elements for improved high-risk targeting.