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NEW U.S. SECURITY PROGRAMS AFTER SEPTEMBER 11, 2001. FREEHILL HOGAN & MAHAR, LLP 80 PINE STREET NEW YORK, NY 10005-1759 TEL: 212 425-1900 FAX: 212 425 1901. Linburg - Before. Linburg - After. The mission of the United States Customs and Border Protection Service: .
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NEW U.S. SECURITY PROGRAMS AFTER SEPTEMBER 11, 2001 FREEHILL HOGAN & MAHAR, LLP 80 PINE STREET NEW YORK, NY 10005-1759 TEL: 212 425-1900 FAX: 212 425 1901
The mission of the United States Customs and Border Protection Service: We are the guardian’s of our Nation’s borders – America’s frontline. We serve and protect the American Public with integrity, innovation and pride. We enforce the laws of the United States, safeguard the revenue, and foster lawful international trade and travel.
After 9/11 CBP developed new tools to implement its mission in the face of terrorist threats: • Container Security Initiative - “CSI” • 24 Hour Manifest Rule • Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism – “C-TPAT” • Advance Passenger Information System – “APIS” Related Actions: • Elimination of Crew List Visas • Marine Safety Transportation Act
Container Security Initiative - “CSI” • 16 Million Containers move through U.S. ports annually • 40% of all containers in the world pass through U.S. ports annually • $475 Billion in commerce • 70% of U.S. bound containers originate in 20 foreign ports • Only 4%-7% of incoming containers are inspected by CBP Post- 9/11 CBP’s concerns expanded beyond narcotics and contraband to terrorism. The challenge: how to monitor container traffic
Container Security Initiative Four elements: • Using automated information to identify and target high-risk containers • Pre-screening those containers identified as high risk before they arrive at U.S. ports • Using detection technology to quickly pre-screen high-risk containers • Using advance, more tamper-resistant containers CBP has entered into bilateral CSI agreements with 41 ports worldwide Those foreign ports host U.S. CBP agents to help identify and screen high-risk containers before loading. What information does CBP review to pre-screen containers?
24 Hour Manifest Rule • Pre- 9/11 – cargo manifests had to be filed 48 hours before vessels arrived at U.S. ports • Post- 9/11 – cargo manifests must be filed 24 hours before cargo is loaded on board a U.S. bound vessel at a foreign port (containerized cargo and break-bulk cargo) • The cargo manifest must be filed electronically with CBP via the Automated Manifest System (“AMS”) • Bulk cargoes – cargo manifest must be filed 24 hours before vessel arrives in U.S. • No vague cargo descriptions such as “said to contain” or “freight all kinds” • Importers can request confidentiality from CBP for themselves and their shippers • Any violation of 24 Hour Rule exposes carrier to penalties - $5,000 for first offense and $10,000 for second offense. Plus, CBP may prevent unloading of cargo.
International Carrier Bond • Anyone who transmits cargo declarations to CBP must file an International Carrier Bond • CBP Port Directors have discretion to set amount. Minimum is usually $50,000 • Who must file the International Carrier Bond – Owners or Charterers? • Who must file the Cargo Declaration – Owners or Charterers? • CBP will not decide – but will ultimately hold Master and vessel liable for failure to comply • Negotiate in charter parties: • who is responsible to comply with CBP filing regulations • who is will be liable for cargo not loaded due to a CBP Do Not Load order • who will bear costs of delay and extra expenses if CBP will not permit discharge • who files the International Carrier Bond
Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism – “C-TPAT” • Voluntary program • Importers, carriers and terminals comply with U.S. guidelines for supply-chain security programs • Participants document their supply chain security measures, pre-screening of employees, etc. • Participating companies who qualify will be designated “low risk” • Benefits: • fewer CBP inspections • faster CBP inspections • potential eligibility for CBP self-audit program, where importer, not CBP, audits its own security measures
Advance Passenger Information System – “APIS” • Requires reporting of crew and passenger information in advance of vessel’s arrival in U.S. • voyage of more than 96 hours – submit 96 hours before entering port • voyage between 24 hours and 96 hours – submit 24 hours before entering port • voyage less than 24 hours – submit before departing foreign port • Failure to comply or filing false data results in penalties • first violation - $5,000 • second violation - $10,000 • No action will be taken against carrier’s bond until appeals exhausted
Maritime Transportation Security Act (“MTSA”) • Requires Vessel Security Plans • Similar to ISPS (International Ship and Port Facility Security Code) vessel security plans • USCG accepts compliance with ISPS as compliance with MTSA • 33 CFR 104 requires Vessel Security Plans that include: • designation of a Vessel Security Officer • training crew to respond to security threats • annual security drills – conducted in conjunction with USCG, industry group, port authority or by owner/operators on their own
Elimination of Crew List Visas • U.S. State Department established Crew List Visas, permitting one visa for entire crew • Regulation rescinded in July, 2004, resulting in Requirement of individual visas for each crew member • If crewmembers do not have visas, they will be denied entry and vessel may be required to hire security guards • Who is responsible for costs of security guards and other extra expenses - Owners or Charterers? - Immigration authorities and USCG will not decide - Owners and Charterers need to negotiate charter party clauses clearly stating who is liable form extra expenses - BIMCO ISPS clause does not deal with problem
CONCLUSION • Security measures and requirements will only increase, not decrease • Monitor developments and plan well in advance to comply • Where responsibility for compliance as between Owners and Charterers is unclear, negotiate clear charter party clauses allocating responsibility