U.S. Customs and Border Protection has extended for two years, through Feb. 21, 2027, a test allowing the electronic submission of certain vessel entry and clearance data prior to vessel arrival or departure from designated ports.
CBP regulations generally require that the master or vessel agent of a commercial vessel submit certain arrival, entrance, and clearance data to CBP when traveling to and from U.S. ports of entry. Currently this data must generally be submitted on paper forms.
Since 2023, however, CBP has been conducting a test (now available at all seaports nationwide) that allows participants to electronically submit through the Vessel Entrance and Clearance System the entrance and clearance data currently collected on CBP Form 1300 (Vessel Entrance or Clearance Statement), CBP Form 1302 (Inward Cargo Declaration), CBP Form 1303 (Ship’s Stores Declarations), CBP Form 1304 (Crew’s Effects Declaration), CBP Form 3171 (Application-Permit-Special-License Unlading-Lading-Overtime Services), CBP Form 26 (Report of Diversion), and CBP Form 226 (Record of Vessel Foreign Repair or Equipment Purchase).
(All other forms required for the entrance and clearance of a vessel (e.g., CBP Form 1302A (Cargo Declaration Outward with Commercial Forms), CBP Form I-418 (Passenger List-Crew List), and CBP Form 5129 (Crew Member’s Declaration)) are not part of the test and must continue to be submitted in accordance with the procedures outlined in the CBP regulations.)
This test also allows participants to make certain entry and clearance requests and reports, and vessel agents to submit required supporting documentation, electronically.
CBP ultimately intends to amend its regulations to require the submission of certain vessel arrival, entry, and clearance data through VECS for all mandated vessels seeking entry into or clearance from U.S. ports after sufficient analysis and evaluation of the ongoing test.
Copyright © 2025 Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A.; WorldTrade Interactive, Inc. All rights reserved.