China Security Information
24 Hour Rule
On January 1, 2009 a new Chinese Customs Regulation came into effect. A grace period of at least 12 months has been confirmed by the Customs authority verbally, during which all containers may be loaded on board the intended vessel, as long as the carrier demonstrates his best efforts to submit manifests electronically.
The regulation requires all carriers to submit a list of customs defined manifest data to China Customs 24 hours before vessel's arrival at the port of loading . The new Customs rule is applicable to all imports into, exports from and cargo transhipped via mainland Chinese ports. Direct import shipments into Hong Kong and Macau are exempted.
In order to comply with the new regulation Hapag-Lloyd does require complete and correct shipping instructions from customers. The new advanced documentation closing times you will find stipulated in the Hapag-Lloyd booking confirmation.
As this is not the final status of the implementation of the China 24 Hour Rule we will keep you advised of any updates in due course.