​The seminars will inform freight forwarders and non-vessel operating common carriers (NVOCCs) about two upcoming customs regulations, the Canada Border Services Agency’s (CBSA) eManifest initiative and Japan’s Advance Filing Rules (AFR) for NVOCCs. Featured guest speakers at the events will include representatives from the CBSA, Japan Customs, and Nippon Automated Cargo and Port Consolidated System, Inc. (NACCS Center). The seminars will be held in Mississauga, Vancouver, and Seattle in September. In addition, CargoSmart will conduct webinars on each of the regulations in September and October. With the implementation of the CBSA’s eManifest initiative, freight forwarders will be required to transmit advance house bill data electronically. The data must be received and validated by the CBSA prior to arrival, within the prescribed mode-specific time frames. Japan’s Advance Filing Rules require NVOCCs and carriers to submit filings for cargo on board a vessel bound for Japan no later than 24 hours before departure from the port of loading. Testing will begin in November and the rules will be implemented in March 2014. “The new regulations require forwarders and NVOCCs to not only be technically ready to file electronically, but also require them to make changes to their processes to obtain and file required information on time,” said Kim Le, director of CargoSmart North America. “We are honored that Canadian and Japan customs agencies will join CargoSmart’s seminars to provide greater details and address concerns about the new rules for the forwarder and NVOCC community in the U.S. and Canada.” The seminar series will provide an overview of upcoming regulations, tips and best practices to manage the impact of new filing requirements, and solutions to help freight forwarders and NVOCCs become compliant. The sessions will be held on the following dates: eManifest and AFR Seminars: September 17 - Mississauga, ON, Canada September 19 - Vancouver, BC, Canada September 20 - Seattle, WA, USA