2008 End-of-Year Instructions

The end of 2008 is drawing near, and once again we are sending our yearly reminder to make sure you are ready for 2009. Please read the instructions below for links to our checklists to make the process easier for you.

Import/ABI:

As of December 3, we have not received any notices from ABI regarding end-of-year tariff updates. We will send out a reminder once those are published. If you don't want to perform these updates manually, you can purchase the latest file from ASCI for $60, but these will not be available until after those updates are released. For instructions on how to query the updates from ABI and set up Last Year Tariff files, go to http://www.asciofmiami.com/eoy-import-2008.pdf.*

Accounting:

If your fiscal year is the same as the calendar year, then you'll need to close out the year after the end of December. Our system will allow you to maintain a file of last year's General Ledger to create adjusting entries and financial reports for 2008 as needed. For instructions, click here.*

*These documents can be viewed with the Adobe Reader. You may download this program by visiting their web-site.

ISF (10+2): It's Official

As you read in CSMS# 08-000329, the Security Filing Interim Rule was published in the Federal Register on November 25, 2008. Please take a few moments to look over this important new legislation: edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-27048.pdf. CBP also published an in-depth analysis of this new requirement and its impact on the industry: www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/trade/cargo_security/carriers/security_filing/ra.ctt/ra.pdf

This filing will go live on January 26, 2009 and the enforcement period will be 12 months from the published date. The new data requirements must be submitted 24 hours prior to lading. and they can be submitted via ABI or vessel AMS.

ASCI has developed our ISF (10+2) application and is in the final stages of testing with ABI. If you are interested in purchasing this program, please give us a call.

2009 Federal Holidays

CBP e-mailed CSMS# 08-000328 with the 2009 Federal Holidays on 11/29. Please make sure you update your system with these dates to ensure your statements are processed correctly. See our end-of-year checklist for instructions on updating this information.

January 1: New Year's Day
January 19: Martin Luther King, Jr.s Birthday (Observed)
February 16: President's Day
May 25: Memorial Day
July 3: Independence Day (Observed)
September 7: Labor Day
October 12: Columbus Day
November 11: Veterans Day
November 26: Thanksgiving Day
December 25: Christmas Day

Holiday Schedule

Our office will close at noon on December 24th, and will re-open on Friday, December 26th.

We will also be closed on
January 1, 2009.

Air In-Bond Update

As we reported in our last newsletter, we recently developed a program to process electronic In-Bonds for Air shipments and are in the testing phase with ABI.

Please note, however, that CBP has delayed the implementation of this new program until January 2009 and has discontinued testing until that time. We will continue to inform you as to when this new program will be available.

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