<B>WTSA Sets New Rules for Processing Export Declarations</B>

Members of the Westbound Transpacific Stabilization Agreement are encouraging exporters to electronically prepare and directly file Shippers Export Declarations. The WTSA cited the U.S. Census Bureau and Customs Service as two federal agencies that are no longer accepting fax copy filings of SEDs, starting the beginning of November.

Accordingly, WTSA carriers which file SEDs on behlaf of customers say they will, effective Nov. 1, implement the following rules in their tariffs:

When a carrier files an SED covering shipments on its vessels, the service will be provided at a fee of $100 per SED or export license.

Shipper amendments to the Bill of Lading declaration must be in conformity with the original SED, or supported by an SED showing the words "Correction Copy." Amendments will likewise incur a handling fee of $100 each, to the shippers acccount.

The shipper or forwarder of record will be liable for any and all loss, damage, delay, penalties and/orfines arising from late filing of SEDs.