CBP to Test Electronic Export Manifests for Truck Cargo

U.S. Customs and Border Protection has announced that it will conduct a test of electronic export manifests for truck cargo. This test will begin Oct. 23 and run for about two years and will be limited to nine truck carriers.

Under existing regulations, truck carriers are not required to submit a manifest for cargo exported from the U.S. by truck. However, the U.S. principal party in interest is required to submit any required electronic export information for such cargo in the Automated Commercial Environment.

Under the forthcoming test, participants will submit certain limited export manifest data in ACE at least 24 hours prior to departure from the U.S. to a foreign destination. Participants will then submit the complete export manifest filing no later than two hours prior to arrival at the final port of export.

CBP anticipates that these timeframes will give it adequate time to perform proper risk assessment and identification of shipments to be inspected early enough in the supply chain to enhance security while minimizing disruption to the flow of goods. CBP notes that it will aim to identify shipments for inspection prior to loading but that inspections could happen at any time before the truck departs the U.S.

Any truck cargo identified as potentially high-risk will receive a hold until required additional information related to the shipment is submitted to clarify non-descriptive, inaccurate, or insufficient information; a physical inspection is performed; or other appropriate action is taken, as specified by CBP. Once the cargo is cleared for loading, a release message will be generated and transmitted to the filer.