As of 1 November 2024, Libyan customs authorities have made an Advanced Cargo Identification (ACI) number mandatory for all goods unloaded at Libyan ports.
This new requirement aims to improve efficiency and security in cargo handling, aligning with international best practices in maritime trade.
Requirements and Procedures
The ACI number must be obtained by shippers and mentioned on the bill of lading. Lack of this number will prevent the transport of goods to Libya, and in case of non-compliance, legal and financial consequences may result in the obligation to re-ship the goods. The ACI number is a unique 14-digit structure for each individual consignment and must be mentioned on both the bill of lading and the cargo manifest.
Benefits of the ACI System
The implementation of the ACI system in Libya aims to facilitate cross-border trade through digitisation and electronic data interchange (EDI). This approach not only speeds up customs processes, but also reduces the risk of errors and fraud, improving transparency and traceability of goods.
Impact on Maritime Trade
Maritime trade is vital to the global economy, and the adoption of systems such as ACI is crucial to maintaining competitiveness and security in this sector. The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) supports these initiatives, promoting the harmonisation of customs procedures and the adoption of advanced cargo handling technologies.
Additional Resources
For more information on the implementation of the ACI number and its impact on maritime transport, you can consult this playlist of videos covering various aspects of this topic published by Lybian Customs authority on the Internet: Advance cargo information ACI – YouTube
To start using the Libyan ACI System, your company must first be registered, see link below: Online Registration
In summary, the mandatory ACI number in Libya represents a significant step towards the modernisation of its customs procedures, benefiting both authorities and international trade actors.
At BestWay, we will continue to strive to keep our clients informed of the most relevant regulatory changes worldwide.
*This article has been automatically translated from its Spanish version.
