CBP Announces New Test for Crude Oil Data Collection from Canada and Mexico
Published June 14, 2026
Key Points
- CBP announced a new NCAP test to improve crude oil pipeline data collection for shipments from Canada and Mexico.
- The test uses ACE and Neoflow with digital standards (DIDs and VCs) to track movement, ownership changes, and transactions in near real time.
- Pipeline operators, importers, and brokers submit data at each stage, which CBP compares with existing filings and monthly reports for accuracy and consistency.
- The test runs for one year starting July 2, 2026, with voluntary participation and ongoing public comment via otinnovation@cbp.dhs.gov.
- CBP will evaluate results for potential improvements in compliance, reconciliation, supply chain visibility, and data standards without changing existing filing requirements.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced in a June 2, 2026 notice that it will conduct a National Customs Automation Program (NCAP) test to evaluate a new method for collecting and transmitting crude oil import data for pipeline shipments from Canada and Mexico. The Pipeline Global Interoperability Standards Test will use the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) to process standardized digital data supported by unique entity identifiers and verifiable credentials. The test focuses on improving visibility of crude oil movement and ownership changes across the supply chain, with near real-time data available for CBP review.
Purpose of the Test
According to the notice,
“The purpose of the test is to evaluate the accuracy and usefulness of participant data regarding pipeline processes ( e.g., movement and sales) for crude oil being uploaded to the Neoflow platform and transmitted to the ACE Crude Oil testing environment using global interoperability standards, i.e., specifications or rules for software development that enable different systems to connect and exchange data.”
Pipeline operators, importers, and brokers will submit transaction data at each stage of the supply chain, allowing CBP to review movement, ownership transfers, and related filings in near real time.
Test Timeline and Participation
The test will begin on July 2, 2026, and will run for one year, subject to extension, modification, or early termination.
CBP began accepting participation requests on June 2, 2026. Importers of record, pipeline operators, and licensed customs brokers involved in crude oil imports from Canada and Mexico may join throughout the testing period.
Participants are expected to upload data on crude oil movement, sales, and entry into the Neoflow platform, including consumption entries, FTZ admissions, and in-bond shipments.
Comments and questions may be submitted at any time via email: otinnovation@cbp.dhs.gov with the subject line: “Comments/Questions on Pipeline Global Interoperability Standards Test”.
Background Behind the Test
As explained in the notice, crude oil moves slowly through a complex pipeline network across Canada, Mexico, and the U.S., often changing ownership multiple times before reaching its destination. Current reporting relies on monthly operator summaries and manual reconciliation, which limits real-time visibility and makes it difficult to track ownership changes, batch movements, and origin with precision.
How CBP Will Use the Data
CBP will review test data to assess its usefulness for potential program expansion, regulatory updates, improved supply chain visibility, monthly report reconciliation, and free trade agreement compliance, including country-of-origin checks. CBP will also publish technical specifications for the interoperability standards on its ACE developer portal.
For further information, contact Marie Williams, Innovation Branch Chief, Trade Modernization Division, Trade Programs, Office of Trade, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, at 202-841-4859 or via email at Marie.Williams@cbp.dhs.gov, with the subject line reading “Pipeline Global Interoperability Standards Test,” for additional details or clarification.
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