A majority of businesses in the Asia-Pacific region are ill-equipped to handle new US regulations requiring electronic filing for regulated consumer product imports, according to a survey by Federal Express Corp.
The logistics giant found that approximately 64% of APAC companies are not fully prepared for the transition to mandatory e-filing.
The shift represents a significant operational hurdle for exporters who have historically relied on paper-based documentation or legacy systems that do not integrate with US Customs and Border Protection’s digital requirements.
For traders and supply chain managers, the finding signals potential friction at US ports of entry.
Non-compliance can lead to shipment holds, demurrage charges, and fines, effectively raising the cost of doing business for Asian manufacturers targeting the American market.
The gap is particularly acute for small and mid-sized enterprises that lack dedicated compliance infrastructure.
The report underscores the widening regulatory divergence between Asian production hubs and Western consumer markets.