MovingJapan.com has advised The Mover of new Importer Filing regulations for shipments into Japan that come into effect in March 2014.

In an effort to have more stringent border security measures in place, Japan will introduce new rules to screen maritime container cargo similar to ISF (Importer Security Filing) regulations in the USA.  Cargo information will need to be filed by Carriers, and NVOCC operators 24 hours before departure of a vessel from the port of loading.  Unloading in Japan is prohibited if filing obligations as per Japan Customs Law Article 16 are not met.  A fine up to JPY500,000 yen (USD5,000) or imprisonment of up to one year (Article 144 Japan Customs Law) can be applied if filing is not completed by the filing deadline. All carriers and NVOCC`S must comply.

The company said that as household Goods movers it is not required to make the filing however the carriers and NVOCC`s it uses for shipping are obliged to file, and should request cargo details for this purpose. If they do not have systems in place, there is the potential for cargo to be returned to origin.

For more information about how the new regulations will affect your shipments to Japan contact www.movingjapan.com