Dear Valued Customer,


RCL’s mission is to enhance our liner and feeder service network, providing greater accessibility to global trade. We are committed to delivering swift, high-quality service to our customers and working closely with our business partners to expand our services, reaching both new and existing customers.


At the meantime, we recognize the importance of compliance with customs regulations, especially for shipments destined for countries that have implemented the Advance Manifest Submission (hereinafter referred to as ‘AMS’) requirements. RCL is dedicated to adhering to these regulations to ensure smooth and timely deliveries.


AMS Regulation Overview:

AMS regulations require all ocean carriers to submit complete and accurate import cargo manifest information to the customs authorities electronically, no later than twenty-four (24) hours prior to the cargo/container(s) load at the Port of Loading.


RCL strictly enforces a “No-Document, No-Load” policy.

If Shipping Instructions (hereinafter referred to as ‘SI’) or Bill of Lading (hereinafter referred to as ‘B/L’) Drafts are not submitted within the required timeline, the cargo will not be loaded.

If the container(s) be returned to the Container Yard (hereinafter referred to as ‘CY’) at the Port of Loading and fail to be loaded due to missing or incomplete documentation, or if it is loaded without complete and correct documentation, all associated charges, cost and liabilities will be the responsibility of the shipper or the booking party authorized to act on the shipper’s behalf.


In accordance with AMS regulations mandated by the customs and authorities of each respective country, please be reminded of the following cut-off times for the submission to complete and accurate Shipping Instructions (SI) and/or Bill of Lading (B/L) Drafts.


Your cooperation and timely submission are essential to ensure compliance and avoid delays or fines and penalties.

Destination Country	Customs - AMS Regulation	Cut - Off: SI or B/L Draft
CHINA	Implemented: JUNE 2014 Import cargo manifests must be completed and submitted with the relevant customs authority no later than 24 hours prior to cargo load at the foreign port	No later than 48 hours before the vessel arrival at loading port. Noted: The cut-off times are based on standard office working hours, excluding weekends and public holidays.
JAPAN	Implemented: MARCH 2014 Import cargo manifests must be completed and submitted with the relevant customs authority no later than 24 hours before vessel departure from the foreign port.	No later than 48 hours before the vessel arrival at loading port. Noted: The cut-off times are based on standard office working hours, excluding weekends and public holidays.
MEXICO	Implemented: MARCH 2007 Import cargo manifest must be completed and submitted with the relevant customs authority no later than 24 hours before the vessel arrives at the port of loading.	No later than 48 hours before the vessel arrival at loading port. Noted: The cut-off times are based on standard office working hours, excluding weekends and public holidays.
SRI LANKA	Implemented: MAY 2024 Import cargo manifests of containerized cargo must be completed and submitted with the relevant customs authority not later than 24 hours before departure from the last foreign port	No later than 48 hours before the vessel arrival at loading port. Noted: The cut-off times are based on standard office working hours, excluding weekends and public holidays.

If you have any questions or require further clarification, please do not hesitate to contact local our office representative.

Best Regards,