Washington – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security confirmed today that it will not extend the effective date for new information requirements on maritime cargo destined for the United States. The Importer Security Filing and Additional Carrier Requirements interim final rule, scheduled to go into effect today, January 26, now requires maritime cargo carriers and importers to submit additional data to U.S. Customs and Border Protection before vessels are permitted entry into the country. The determination not to postpone the January 26 effective date was made after consideration of the factors set forth in the memorandum from the director of the Office of Management and Budget, “Implementation of Memorandum Concerning Regulatory Review,” dated January 21. The decision was based in large part on the fact that the rulemaking process was procedurally adequate; that a 75-day public comment period was already provided to respond to the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking; and, that this Interim Final Rule is now subject to an additional six-month public comment period. The January 26 effective date will also allow CBP to work with industry on testing and improving the systems of this important security initiative during the structured review and delayed enforcement period which ends a year later on January 26, 2010. This additional information will be critical to enhancing the department’s ability toentify and stop dangerous goods from entering our nation, and CBP will continue to welcome input from the regulated industry. For additional information, please visit the CBP Trade Web site. (Trade) Questions may be sent to Security_Filing_General@cbp.dhs.gov. U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws. Contacts For This News Release Jenny Burke CBP Public Affairs Phone: 202-344-1780 Fax: 202-344-1393