Vilden Associates announces that it is now including programming for the Mexican Customs 24-hour rule in its premier product e-Clear. This will allow users to meet the rule adopted by Mexican Customs which requires manifests to be filed electronically 24 hours prior to cargo loading, effective September 1, 2007.

Files will be uploaded to the website of AMANAC (Asociacion Mexicana de Agentes Navieros). The requirements and specialized codes for Mexican Customs can be currently accommodated by e-Clear. What this means to customers who use e-Clear is that entry will be very similar to data entry for US and Canadian Customs requirements which has been smoothly handled by Vilden's e-Clear system since the adoption of the 24-hour rule by the US and Canada. There are some additional requirements, but these mainly center around Hazardous Cargo.

As well, data can be uploaded by our customers via FTP to e-Clear to save valuable manual keying time.

UPDATE RECEIVED JUST TODAY......... We have received word just today that according to instructions given yesterday evening by Mexican Customs, shipping lines will not be allowed to transmit House Bills of Lading in their manifests, this in spite of clear previous instructions in writing on the manfest transmission guidelines, authorizing shipping lines to do it on behalf of NVOs and freight forwarders. As this new instruction might create problems in the trade, Mexican Customs has temporarily authorized shipping lines to include House Bs/L in their manifest but only during the month of September, but not afterwards. By that date, all NVOs and freight forwarders must be ready to transmit their own documents to Customs.This policy change originates from a claim from part of the Mexican Freight Forwarders Association.

Given this recent news, it is vitally important for all NVOs and Shippping Lines who ship to Mexico to make immediate plans to electronically file manifests with Mexican Customs.

TO SIGN UP, THE STEPS ARE SIMPLE........ 1--2--3

• The Mexican Agent for the Carrier or NVO/Freight Forwader must obtain a CAAT from Mexican Customs
• The Mexican Agent must authorize the use of his CAAT in manifest transmissions to Mexican Customs.
• The Carrier or NVO/Freight Forwarder contacts marketing@vilden.com to electronically transmit the data to Mexican Customs.