Japan Advanced Filing Rules Resource Center

This resource center includes information regarding the Japan Ocean Advanced Filing Rules (AFR) and Japan Air Advance Cargo Information (ACI) requirements. We encourage you to bookmark this page and to check back often for updated information regarding these initiatives.

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What are Japan’s Security Filing Requirements?

For both air and ocean, advanced manifest information must be submitted to Japan Customs via the Nippon Automated Cargo and Port Consolidated System, Inc. (NACCS Center). Data must be transmitted electronically and within specific time frames.

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Why were these requirements initiated?

Japan Customs implemented the advance filing rules to:

Improve Security

With better information on hand, higher risk shipments can be identified more easily

Digitize ProcessesSpeed the Flow of Goods

With electronic information, manual and error-prone practices are decreased

Speed the Flow of Freight

Electronic data streaming through the supply chain can enable faster shipment clearances

For the ocean mode of transport, unlike other global advanced manifest regulations, the exact timing for an Ocean AFR filing to Japan Customs depends on the port of origin and to what Japanese port the freight is destined to arrive. For example, if a shipment departed from South Korea and is bound for Tokyo, then advanced information will be required 24-hours prior to departure of the ocean vessel. For this reason, Japan Ocean AFR is also known as the Japanese Ocean 24-Hour Rule (JP24). For the air mode of transport, the filing is required 3-hours before arrival time of the inbound flight.

The data which needs to be included in the transmission for ocean includes the shipper’s full name and address, consignee’s full name and address, notify party’s full name and address, container number, seal number, number of packages, cargo gross weight, dangerous goods code if applicable, cargo description, and HS code at a minimum of 6-digits.

On the air side, the data elements are place of origin, place of destination, marks and number, pieces and weight, goods description, consignor/consignee name and address, master and/or house bill number, and flight information.

Japan Customs has provided clarification on the potential fines and penalties associated with Japan Ocean AFR non-compliance. Those who intentionally file false information could be imprisoned for a term of up to a year or could receive a fine of up to JPY 500 thousand. The agency has additionally noted that those who intentionally discharge cargo without permission could also potentially face the same penalty. Late or incomplete declarations could be subject to penalties by the Japanese government and cargo could also be refused entry into Japan.