13^th May 2008

Circular Reference Number: OCS/130508/L016-Asia

RE: IMPORT SHIPMENT TO PHILIPPINES - PROPER CARGO DESCRIPTION AND INDICATION OF FINAL DESTINATION

As you were already informed and been aware of the new Philippine Customs Ruling (wef. March 2007), please kindly be reminded again to follow strict requirements particularly on the cargo description.

“Cargo Description”

Generic descriptions stated in the IFM of the carrying vessel such as FAK (Freight all kinds), general cargo and similar terminologies shall not be allowed and shall be treated as incomplete information penalized under Section 2521 of the Code unless in the form of a consolidated cargo which shall be supported by the Consolidated Cargo Manifest submitted by the NVOCC/Consolidator/Co-loader/ Break Bulk Agent to Customs under the procedures prescribed in the succeeding sections of this Order.

In any case, cargo description in the IFM or Consolidated Cargo Manifest shall be precise enough to enable Customs to identify the goods intended to be discharged in the port and take preemptive action if warranted. Hence, vague descriptions such as “chemicals”, “foodstuffs”, “electronics” should be avoided.

Additionally, please note that the use of “Final Destination” ('for the Merchant's reference only') that is not valid in Philippine Customs and it shall be input as text on B/L body either as description or shipping marks.

Thank you very much for your kind attention on this matter.

Copyright 2008 NYK LINE (HK) LTD. All Rights Reserved.

No material (including but not limited to the text and/or images) contained in this Website may be copied, reproduced, republished without NYK Line’s express written consent.