Since March 2012, Japan’s Customs Law specified the new Advanced Filing Rules on Maritime Container Cargo Information.

The Japan Customs Advance Filing Rules (AFR) require carriers and non-vessel operating common carriers (NVOCCs) to submit filings for Japan-bound cargo to Japan customs before vessels depart from a port of loading in foreign countries. This filing can be done electronically and no later than 24 hours before departure.

It is crucial to comply to the Advanced Filing Rules, failure to comply can lead to legal and financial implications including the risk that your shipment will be blocked by the authorities, individuals can face up to a year’s imprisonment or a fine not exceeding JPY 500,000.

AGS Line is offering their agents full compliance with the advanced filing rules applied in Japan.