International Agents Network

Industry Alerts

Industrial Action - Puerto Rico

Wooden Packing Materials - Country Update - March 2006

Two urgent pieces of information regarding customs formalities in the U.A.E and China:

1. U.A.E
The customs rules for importation of personal effects into the U.A.E have changed effective 01 March 2006. The U.A.E Customs Authorities have decided on much stricter guidelines for importation, that will likely result in more cumbersome documentation and a larger number of consignments being dutiable. Allied U.A.E are meeting with customs authorities and will provide the network with a precise list of the documents that will now be required, as well as any process change and additional costs associated with these new rules. With immediate effect network companies should alert customers coming into the U.A.E that the rules and regulations previously provided are no longer valid and that our Import Coordinators should be contacted for an update on documentation and charges applicable
.
2. China
With effect from 1st June, 2006 Customs Authorities will enforce the previously announced ISPM requirements relating to wooden packing materials for every single shipment coming into Shanghai, China. Shipments that do not comply will be refused by the Chinese Customs Authorities.

Allied Rettenmayer have reported that new airfreight security procedures have been implemented with immediate effect for exports from Germany. These procedures will add several days to transit time for airfreight shipments originating in Germany - please amend your transit time guidelines accordingly.

In addition airlines will now levy additional fees for these security procedures referred to as "Unsecured Cargo Checking". these fees vary dependent upon airline ranging from Euro 3.00 per piece (Min Euro 15.00) at Lufthansa to a flat Euro 65.00 for other airlines. These additional charges will be clearly identified by Allied Rettenmayer in any rate response but should be included if quoted using any locally based pricing system.

If you have any questions please contact Uwe Mueller at Allied Rettenmayer: umueller@rettenmayer.com