Privacy concerns over US moves

01-11-2010

Assignees’ personal details are being made publically available by US Customs Border Patrol (CBP) unless they opt out prior to moving, Sterling has learnt.

Under rule 19 CFT 103.31, CBP is required to sell certain information relating to shipments to third party vessel manifest information companies. This includes the assignee’s name, address and social security number. We have seen instances where this information is then hosted on a public website.

However, assignees can apply to receive confidentiality for a period so that this data is not distributed to 3rd party vessel manifest companies. CBP has recently implemented a website on which they may apply for confidentiality on their shipment. The process to apply for confidentiality is optional, but should only take a couple of minutes and requires basic information.

Here is a link to website:

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/trade/automated/automated_systems/ams/vessel_manifest_confid_form.xml

Sterling staff are discussing this issue with assignees at survey and booking stage wherever possible. We would strongly recommend that you also make your assignees aware of the situation.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.