New CBP Regulation on Returned Containers
Effective September 16, 2009, all shippers will be required to show how much residue (actual volumetric amount) is left in all returning shipping containers (dangerous as well as non-dangerous goods) for cross border movements into the US; that is, any cargo container with any residue of cargo (not just chemical residue) must be manifested and entered in compliance with US customs laws.
It is no longer acceptable to be entered or manifested as empty, now the residue quantity contained must be classified, valued and manifested.
CBP recognizes there are many unanswered questions that must be resolved to ensure importers and carriers are able to operate in compliance with the new customs regulations, so although the effective date is September 16, 2009, CBP have committed to enforcing this ruling no earlier than mid-November (60 days after implementation).
If proper reporting/entry is not done, the cargo container will not be allowed to enter the US. Import entry can be done by any party with a vested interest... carrier, shipper, consignee, original supplier, etc.