Canada Implements Enhanced Air Cargo Advance Screening

Trade Update • Nov. 26, 2025

Key Points

• Effective November 21, 2025, ACAS data requirements expand for air cargo shipments.
• New mandatory and conditional data elements include consignee and shipper contact details, shipment locations, and Verified Known Consignor status.
• Verified Known Consignor program will offer trusted trade partner benefits for vetted entities.
• One-year informed compliance period granted for ACAS filers to adjust to new requirements.
• Updated ACAS Implementation Guide available on CBP.gov; support emails provided for policy or technical questions.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) introduced enhanced Air Cargo Advance Screening (ACAS) requirements, effective November 21, 2025. The update expands mandatory and conditional data elements for air cargo shipments to improve trade security and streamline clearance. ACAS filers must provide additional shipper and consignee information, shipment locations, and account details. The Verified Known Consignor program allows vetted entities to reduce reporting obligations.

Updated Acas Requirements

Previously Required Data

1. Shipper name
2. Shipper address
3. Consignee name
4. Consignee address
5. Cargo Description
6. Total quantity based on the smallest external packing unit
7. Weight
8. Airway Bill

New Mandatory Data Elements

1. Consignee Email
2. Consignee Phone Number
3. Shipment Packing Location and/or Scheduled Shipment Pickup Location
4. Ship to Party
5. Verified Known Consignor* = yes or no

Conditional Data Elements (If Shipper is Not Verified Known Consignor)

1. Shipper Phone Number
2. Shipper Email
3. Customer Account Shipping Frequency/Volume
4. Customer Account Billing Type
5. Customer Account Name
6. Customer Account Holder
7. Customer Account Issuer
8. Customer Account Number
9. Customer Account Shipping Frequency/Volume
10. Customer Account Billing Type
11. Customer Account Establishment Date
12. Internet Protocol (IP) or MAC Address used during creation of Customer Account

Conditional Data Elements (Under Certain Circumstances)

1. Shipping cost
2. IP or MAC address used to initiate the shipping transaction
3. Biographic data
4. Product URL

Verified Known Consignor Program

CBP’s Verified Known Consignor program allows vetted trade partners to provide a recognized code, reducing the need to submit most Enhanced ACAS data elements. The program will review established foreign known consignor programs for compatibility with CBP standards. Further guidance on enrollment and benefits will be released once the program is active.

Compliance and Support

• Informed Compliance Period: 1 year to adjust to new ACAS requirements.
• Guidance: Updated ACAS Implementation Guide available at CBP ACAS.
• Policy Questions: OFO-MANIFEST@cbp.dhs.gov
• ACAS Support: ACAS-SUPPORT@cbp.dhs.gov

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