CBP to Begin Testing Pre-Departure ACE Export Manifest Filing for Air Cargo

CBP will begin a test of air cargo manifest filing for exports within the Automated Commercial Environment, the agency said in a notice (here). The voluntary test will require participants to submit export data electronically at least four hours before loading, the agency said. Currently, the complete manifest is required on paper CBP Form 7509 after departure, said CBP. The pilot will begin on Aug. 10 and is scheduled to last for two years, said CBP.

The pilot will help to test the "feasibility of requiring the manifest information to be filed electronically in ACE within a specified time before the cargo is loaded on the aircraft," CBP said. The test will also further work toward the International Trade Data System and incorporation of the Automated Export System within ACE, said CBP. CBP will use the pre-departure data for targeting of "high-risk air cargo," it said. CBP plans "to begin rulemaking to require the submission of electronic export manifest data before the cargo is loaded onto the aircraft" following analysis and evaluation of the test, it said.

Pilot participants must "agree to provide export manifest data electronically at least 4 hours prior to loading of the cargo onto the aircraft in preparation for departure" from the U.S., said CBP."If the air carrier files this ACE Export Manifest data, the electronic filing is in lieu of the paper filing of CBP Form 7509," it said. "If a freight forwarder files the ACE Export Manifest data, the carrier is still required to file the CBP Form 7509 (or ACE Export Manifest data, if the air carrier is also a test participant)." Benefits to participants include reduced paper-related costs and "facilitation of corporate preparedness for future mandatory implementation of electronic export manifest submission requirements," said CBP.

The manifest information should be available to the "early planning stages of an export air cargo transaction," said CBP. The four hour window prior to loading should allow "adequate time for 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," said the agency. "Any air 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 some 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."

The ACE Export Manifest for Air Cargo data elements are to be submitted at the lowest bill level, said CBP. There's up to 22 data elements that may be required prior to departure, depending on the cargo, it said. While CBP isn't testing data elements for other agencies, it may "enhance the test in the future with additional data or processing capabilities," said CBP. CBP seeks a total of nine air carriers and freight forwarders to take part in the test, it said. The test doesn't include any legally binding obligations on CBP or participants and there's no plans to levy punitive measures for non-compliance, CBP said.

(Federal Register 07/10/15)