In the wake of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, U.S. laws and regulations changed to meet the threat posed to national security. These changes include new notification requirements for commercial vessels entering and departing U.S. ports. U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the U.S. Coast Guard now require that all commercial vessels entering U.S. Ports electronically submit cargo manifests as well as crew/passenger manifests in advance of arrival. As part of these requirements, vessels must post security in the form of an International Carrier Bond ("ICB"). The face value of the ICB can differ depending upon the security requirements of the port of entry, usually from $50,000 to $150,000. Lamorte Burns offers an ICB service to assist our clients to comply with these new requirements.

Our ICB service includes:

• Obtaining the necessary application forms from the relevant agencies and surety
• Providing guidance to properly complete application forms
• Submitting original application forms to correct agencies
• Obtaining an ICB
• Arranging for a U.S. Custom's approved Automated Data Service Provider to provide a platform to electronically submit cargo manifests to U.S. Customs.