STARTING October 15, Philippine exporters to the US will pay an additional fee when they ship to the US.
On that day, all loaded containers including foreign cargo remaining on board arriving by vessel at a port of entry in the US, must have a seal meeting the ISO/PAS 17712 standard.
“This is a pass-on cost,” Jimsy Macawile, president of Super Green Lane importers, told PortCalls.
“While the cost of the seal is only around $10-$25 depending on the make, this will bump up expenses in the long run,” Macawile, who is also with Samsung Elec-tronics, explained.
“Philippine exporters cannot afford not to comply… their cargo will face rejection once they reach US shores,” Macawile added.
As early as last month, carrier Evergreen Line has said it will implement the new procedure as part of its supply and transportation chain security.
Supply chain security, the carrier said, must start with the shipper at the point of stuffing.
After securely stuffing and sealing a container, importers must ensure the seal numbers for all seals affixed to the containers are provided on the shipping instructions forwarded to the carrier.
“Any container received by Evergreen Line that cannot meet this requirement may be rejected to load in transit to United States of America. Additional sealing with Evergreen Line high security seal may be adopted at carrier’s discretion in any stage of transportation without prior consent from shipper,” the carrier said in a statement.
The line added it will charge the shipper extra sealing fees when the rule is violated.
