On June 11, 2019, CBP will be ending its informed compliance period for Air Cargo Advance Screening (ACAS). The ACAS regulations require submission of advance air cargo data for any inbound aircraft required to make entry into the U.S. under CBP regulations that has commercial cargo aboard. CBP published an interim final rule on June 12, 2018 which provided a one-year informed compliance period. The informed compliance period would allow the trade to make any necessary business changes in order to comply with the new requirement.
According to 19 CFR 122.48Bb, the ACAS data must be submitted as early as practicable but no later than prior to loading of the cargo onto the aircraft. The following data elements are required (and they are to be submitted at the lowest airway bill level):
- Shipper Name and Address
- Consignee name and address
- Cargo Description
- Total quantity based on the smallest external packing unit
- Total weight of cargo
- Airway bill number
Per the ACAS FAQ, ACAS violations are subject to liquidated damages claims. CBP will take a commonsense approach to enforcement. Once we receive further information regarding enforcement, we will make sure to provide updates.
