CBP ANNOUNCES ACE EXPORT MANIFEST FOR AIR CARGO TEST
August 20, 2015
CBP has announced the ACE Export Manifest for Air Cargo Test, which is a voluntary test in which participant carriers and freight forwarders agree to submit export manifest data electronically four hours or more prior to loading cargo onto an aircraft departing from the U.S. Currently, the complete manifest is required to be submitted by an airline on paper using CBP Form 7509 four days after the aircraft’s departure. The test is designed to target high-risk air cargo and allow CBP to inspect shipments prior to the loading of the cargo to ensure compliance with U.S. laws.
CBP is accepting applications from air carriers and freight forwarders for the test, which will run for two years beginning August 10, 2015. The test is open to nine participants: between 3 and 6 air carriers and between 3 and 6 freight forwarders. CBP will accept applications on a rolling basis until it has received applications from nine parties that meet all the test participant requirements.
Applicants must be able to transmit export manifest data to CBP and receive response message sets via Cargo-IMP, AIR CAMIR, XML, or Unified XML and must successfully complete certification testing with their client representative.
As part of the test, participants agree to:
- submit export manifest data electronically to CBP at least 4 hours prior to the loading of the cargo on the aircraft;
- establish operational security protocols that respond to CBP hold messages, and respond to CBP confirming that responsive action was taken;
- respond promptly with complete and accurate information when contacted by CBP with questions regarding the data submitted;
- comply with any “Do Not Load” instructions; and
- participate in any teleconferences or meetings with CBP as necessary.
Benefits of participating in the test include:
- reduction in costs associated with generating copies, transportation, and storage of paper manifest documentation;
- increases in security through targeted screening by CBP;
- the ability to provide input to CBP regarding the implementation of the electronic export manifest system; and
- facilitation of corporate preparedness for future mandatory implementation of electronic export manifest submission requirements.
Please contact us if you would like additional information or to apply to participate in the test program.
If you have any questions, please contact Evelyn Sahr (esahr@eckertseamans.com, 202-659-6622) or Drew Derco (dderco@eckertseamans.com, 202-659-6665).