December 4, 2002 -
Manifest24 from TradePoint offers Web-based solution for Us Customs and Border Protection' "24-Hour Advance Vessel Manifest Rule"

TradePoint Systems LLC has recently announced the release of Manifest24, a new Web-based application that fulfills the requirements set forth in the "Us Customs and Border Protection 24-hour Advance Cargo Manifest Declaration Rule". Manifest24 is a user-friendly and cost-effective tool that enables carriers to successfully complete the task requirements set forth in this latest initiative.

In order to protect the nation and its people from further terrorist attacks, the Us Customs and Border Protection Service is doing everything it can to prevent terrorists and terrorist weapons from getting into the country. Part of the Us Customs and Border Protection Container Security Initiative (CSI), launched in January 2002, is the implementation of new AMS (Automated Manifest System) rules which will require shipping lines and logistics companies acting as carriers (NVOCCs) to present/transmit manifest information to Us Customs and Border Protection for all US bound shipments or containers 24-hours in advance of lading at the foreign port. This new rule will come into effect as of December 2nd, 2002. Failure to comply with this rule could result in significant penalties against the carrier or NVOCC, along with the removal of container for inspection by US customs and/or the denial of permission to unload vessel cargo.

Extensive regulatory and documentation requirements play a crucial role in ensuring the flow of legitimate trade and the nation's security, but at the same time these requirements can hinder the flow of international trade and place a heavy burden on the international trade businesses that are mandated to comply. As one of the leading IT providers to the industry, TradePoint Systems remains focused on the evolving international regulatory initiatives and collaborates closely with some of the nation's largest international trade businesses, in order to provide systems that both increase security and facilitate trade. TradePoint's Manifest24 gives carriers a simple and economical means to successfully complete the requirements of this latest initiative, and remain competitive in the marketplace.

Ken Halle, Executive VP & COO of US Operations at TradePoint said, "We have been closely monitoring this regulation, because our advisors in the trade indicated that it was likely to become the law of the land. We looked closely at our Manifest product line and determined that Manifest is already capturing most of the data required by Us Customs and Border Protection for the 24-Hour Rule. So, Manifest24 was a natural addition of our strategy to extend the reach of the US-based NVOCC and Freight Forwarder. Manifest24 puts the onus of data entry on the NVO at the Origin, while allowing the NVO at the Destination to validate the data before it is submitted to Us Customs and Border Protection".

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