Background

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is extending for two years its ongoing tests of the functionality of filing export manifest data for vessel and air cargo electronically in the Automated Commercial Environment. Applications to participate in these tests will continue to be accepted.

Test participants agree to submit export manifest data to CBP electronically at least 24 hours prior to loading the cargo on the vessel, or four hours prior to loading the cargon onto the aircraft, in preparation for departure from the U.S. Mandatory data elements must be provided to CBP for every shipment and include port of loading, shipper and consignee name and address, and cargo description. Conditional data elements (e.g., marks and numbers, container numbers, and in-bond numbers) are required only if the particular information pertains to the cargo. Optional data elements (e.g., split shipment indicator) may be provided but are not required.

CBP has also previously extended for two years its test of electronic export manifests for rail cargo.

The Export Modernization Working Group of CBP’s Customs Commercial Operations Advisory Committee reported in December 2023 that it is continuing to push for the development and rollout of electronic export manifests for all modes of transport. In particular, the working group urged the release of regulations for rail, air, and vessel, and said it is continuing to discuss the benefits and challenges of the truck manifest pilot CBP is planning to implement.

ACE functionality can help importers and others boost compliance and duty savings efforts. For more information, please contact attorney Lenny Feldman via email or at (305) 894-1011.

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