US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have advised that implementation of the Air Automated Manifest System (AMS) for inbound and outbound shipments to the US will commence on 12 August 2004.

The rules require transporters to electronically submit detailed shipment information to the CBP. DHL will be required to:

For inbound flights, transmit freight details via the Automated Manifest System (AMS):

• 4 hours prior to arrival for intercontinental flights
• At Wheels up (take off) from NAFTA and Central and South America north of the equator

For outbound flights, transmit freight details via AMS 2 hours prior to the scheduled departure time of the aircraft from the last U.S. port.

Consequently, this will require DHL to ensure that all shipping information is provided by customers on time. The list below is an example of the items which will be mandatory for all shipments:

• Air waybill number
• Port of origin
• Full shipper name and address
• Full consignee name and address
• Precise and accurate description of goods: the description must be in English
• Number of pieces (based on the smallest external packaging unit)
• Total weight (may be given in pounds or kilos)
• Total value of shipment and currency

DHL Express currently already captures this information and provides it to the US for customs clearance - however, it is important that customers ensure ALL above information is provided to DHL otherwise delays will occur.

For further information on AMS, please refer to an FAQ document on the CBP web site under: "Frequently Asked Questions on the Trade Act of 2002 - Mandatory Advanced Electronic Cargo Information".

For information on description of goods, please download the list of guidelines for acceptable descriptions on our General Leaflets page.

Should you have any other questions, please contact your local DHL Customer Service.

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