Arpin International Announces

A new physical local tax inspection has been implemented on some shipments arriving into Puerto Rico. April 14, 2005 Full container loads will be selected at random by the local government for physical inspection via a new scanning system.  The actual scanning machine will be brought to the site of the inspection and every item will be physically passed through this machine, very much like the systems now used at the airports. This will greatly affect inspection and delivery dates, as the government has only a few of these portable machines, and if selected, a turn will be assigned to the particular shipment.

An extra charge of USD 15.00 per man per hour will be applied to these shipments for inspection as a double handling will incur, all depending on how long the inspection takes.  Unfortunately we have no control over this new procedure.

Our commitment is to advise you if and when a particular shipment will be selected for this inspection to obtain authorization for these charges and advise of any delays in coordinating a delivery date, with possible demurrage charges.

Please contact you local Arpin Agent for further information.