Enhanced ACAS Enforcement Extended Through May 1, 2027

Published Nov. 26, 2025 | Updated Aug. 10, 2026

Key Points

• CBP extends the Enhanced ACAS phased enforcement period to May 1, 2027.
• The phased enforcement period was originally scheduled to end on November 21, 2026.
• Air carriers and eligible filers must continue submitting required ACAS data before loading cargo onto U.S.-bound aircraft.
• CBP will continue monitoring data quality and expects filers to address identified issues promptly.
• Affected parties should confirm their systems meet the technical requirements for full enforcement.

O​​​​​​​n November 21, 2025, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) implemented enhanced Air Cargo Advance Screening (ACAS) requirements, expanding mandatory and conditional data elements for air cargo shipments. CBP provided a one-year informed compliance period through November 21, 2026,

Latest Update: On August 10, 2026, CBP extended the phased enforcement period to May 1, 2027. It will give air carriers, eligible filers, and other affected parties more time to complete system integrations, address data quality issues, and prepare their compliance procedures.

Enhanced ACAS Enforcement Period Extended

The extension to May 1, 2027 takes effect immediately. It remains subject to the conditions in Section IV.I. of the Enhanced ACAS Interim Final Rule and applies only to requirements established under the rule.

ACAS Data Requirements Continue

Please note that the extension does not stop existing ACAS filing requirements.

Air carriers and other eligible filers must continue submitting the required ACAS data as early as practicable and no later than before cargo loads onto an aircraft destined for the United States.

What Affected Parties Should Do

During the extended phased enforcement period, CBP expects air carriers and filers to:

• Continue submitting ACAS data in accordance with existing regulatory requirements.
• Address data quality issues promptly when CBP identifies them.
• Confirm that internal systems can meet the technical specifications required for full enforcement.
• Maintain coordination with CBP representatives to support timely resolution of implementation concerns.

For technical questions, contact your assigned CBP Client Representative. For operational questions, contact the National Targeting Center at ACAS-SUPPORT@cbp.dhs.gov, and for policy questions, contact Cargo and Conveyance Security at OFO-MANIFESTBRANCH@cbp.dhs.gov.

Background

ACAS, which took effect on November 21, 2025, expanded data requirements for air cargo shipments, including additional shipper and consignee information, shipment locations, and Verified Known Consignor status.

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.

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