Project Description
Manifest Confidentiality:
How to Protect US Import Data
Did you know that your import data is public?
Unless you proactively take measures to safeguard sensitive vessel manifest information detailing your supply chain decisions, it will continue to be accessible to the public. This means that competitors can find out who your suppliers are and other import-related details.
This guide will outline what is electronic vessel manifest confidentiality, and what methods importers, consignees, and shippers can choose from to request confidentiality, and much more below.
What is Electronic Vessel Manifest Confidentiality?
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has established the Electronic Vessel Manifest Confidentiality Program to restrict public access to import information by not permitting direct examination of vessel manifests. Nevertheless, the general public retains the ability to request particular information through Customs. Within this framework, importers, consignees, and shippers are provided with the opportunity to request confidential treatment for their names and addresses on these manifests, as well as to appeal to CBP for safeguarding specific data elements. This program covers 22 distinct data elements found on the manifests, including consignee, notify, and shipper party details. The initiative’s primary objective is to offer the choice of confidentiality, preventing competitors from linking your manifest data with your corporate identity.
Who Can Make a Manifest Confidentiality Request? What are the Different Types of Manifests?
Importer or Consignee
As an importer or consignee you may request confidential treatment of your name and address, including identifying marks and numbers on inward manifests. For more details how confidentiality applies to inward manifests, review the 19 CFR §103.31 (d)(1) on the Code of Federal Regulations.
Shipper
As a shipper, authorized employee, or official of the shipper, you may request confidential treatment of the shipper’s name and address on outward manifests. For more details about how confidentiality applies to outward manifests, review the 19 CFR §103.31 (d)(2) on the Federal Register.
How Long Does Manifest Confidentiality Last?
The confidentiality of the vessel manifest will remain active for a duration of two years, starting from the date of processing the request. This confidentiality extends to all points of entry into the United States. To prevent any interruptions in the coverage of confidentiality, it is advisable to submit a renewal request approximately two to three months before the existing approval expires.
How to Protect Your US Import Data – 3 Methods
For more information please visit CBP’s Electronic Vessel Manifest Confidentiality page.
Import into the US with Confidentiality
By safeguarding your US trade data, you’re ensuring the protection of sensitive business information. We can assist with this application and ensure that you file your business request with US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) correctly and accurately.
Schedule a meeting with our team to discuss how we can help you!
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