New CBP Cargo Descriptions Rules In Effect
Trade Update • Nov. 12, 2024
The U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) has issued a new directive requiring precise descriptions for goods in the Air Cargo Advanced Screening (ACAS) filings process. Shipments destined for or transiting through the U.S. must now include clear, specific details about the merchandise, as vague manifest descriptions will lead to rejection.
This policy aims to enhance CBP’s risk assessment capabilities within the ACAS program. Descriptions such as “gift,” “accessories,” or “pharmaceuticals” will no longer be accepted. Non-compliance could result in shipment delays at the point of origin, posing potential disruptions, especially during the high-volume holiday season.
Starting November 12, 2024, CBP will reject any import shipment data containing ambiguous descriptions detailed on manifests, preventing these shipments from moving into the U.S. until complete and accurate data is provided.
Examples of Unacceptable vs Acceptable Cargo Descriptions
CBP has provided a list of examples as a guide to acceptable and unacceptable descriptions. This list is not exhaustive and will continue to expand as unacceptable descriptions are identified and acceptable descriptions are further refined. Descriptions in the Acceptable column should be viewed only as examples of the items they actually describe and not as a list of specifically acceptable or restrictive terms.
Who is Affected
The new regulations affect a wide array of stakeholders in international shipping, including shippers, freight forwarders, customs brokers, and all parties managing manifests, Air Waybills (AWB) or House Air Waybills (HAWB).
Compliance is now essential across the board, even extending to individual shoppers using parcel forwarding services. Whether you’re an air carrier or a customs broker self-filing house bills, you are now accountable for providing accurate, compliant cargo descriptions. Failure to meet these standards may lead to warnings, rejection notifications, and delays in shipment processing.
For questions or concerns about managing your cargo descriptions/manifests, please contact us.
Subscribe!
