Specific cargo description demanded by Korean Customs - that, or fines

SHIPPERS must adhere to new terms in the Korea Advance Manifest System (AMS) for consignments to Korea or face penalty charges and/or delays by the Korean Customs Service (KCS).

Shippers must avoid generic and meaningless terms such as "part, sample, accessory, gift, assembly, product or goods" as well as meaningless numbers and punctuation marks, but instead follow precise technical terms, advises British International Freight Association (BIFA).

There will be a month period for the freight industry to align with the system but penalties will be imposed on air carrier and forwarders should errors be picked up by December 1, said the BIFA newsletter.