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Advance Filing Rule (AFR)

What is Advance Filing Rule?

Advance Filing Rule is a requirement for all carriers to electronically file the detail description of the cargo onboard their vessel when sailing to/through the Chinese and Japanese ports.

The detail must be filed 24 hours before the vessel leaves the port of origin or the port of loading (POL). Otherwise, the vessel may not be allowed to unload without express authorisation from the customs authorities.

The electronic document is a must requirement for the ports in China and Japan.