There are many parties involved in a shipment. In some situation HBL number and consignee changes but cargo information remain same. Who is obliged to file AFR?

Scenario: NVOCC receives instruction from a customer to ship a cargo to Japan. NVOCC then issues HBL and approaches a co-loader (consolidator). Consolidator then issues another HBL that contains other HBLs from other NVOCCs. In this situation, should each party file their own AFR?

Answer: Only the direct contractor with the Carrier who knows the cargo information at the time of departure is the obliged filer. 2nd and 3rd tier parties are not required to file even if they issue HBL.