The USA’s trade policy has seen a dramatic shift in the past year. Regulations are stricter, and so is the scrutiny on all shipments coming into or transiting via the USA. As a result, moving cargo into or through the United States is not as easy as it once was.
If you are an air carrier or a freight forwarder, you probably rely on the Air Cargo Advance Screening (ACAS) program or the Automated Manifest System (AMS) to file all relevant cargo data in advance. These are essential steps in the customs clearance process and give CBP plenty of time in advance to analyze shipments.
There have been several policy and procedural changes in recent months that impact the import & eCommerce filing requirements. This means that you cannot rely on old exemptions or shortcuts, and any errors in your filing now will result in delays in clearing customs.
This blog will highlight those changes along with all the ACAS and air AMS filing requirements so that your shipments can sail through customs smoothly.
What Is the Air Cargo Advanced Screening (ACAS) Program, and What Are Its Filing Requirements?
The ACAS program is a joint security initiative that comes under the purview of the Customs and Border Protection agency(CBP) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). It’s a mandatory step put in place to strengthen aviation and border security.
It requires you to submit essential data about your cargo in advance to allow CBP to analyze and flag any high-risk shipments. This applies to every shipment regardless of whether the cargo is destined for the U.S. market or simply passing through US airspace.
Filing Requirements for ACAS
When you file ACAS, you are required to file the following information –
- The name and address of the shipper
- The name and address of the consignee
- The House Air Waybill (HAWB)
- A detailed description of the cargo
- The total quantity (based on the smallest external packing unit) and the total weight of the cargo
It’s essential to note that the ACAS filing must be completed before the cargo has been loaded. This gives CBP the time it needs to run an automated risk assessment and cross-verify all the data provided in the filing.
If any anomalies are discovered, the cargo cannot be loaded. In short, if you plan to move goods into or through the US by air, this is the first compliance requirement you must meet to clear customs.
What Is the Automated Manifest System (AMS) Program, and What Are Its Filing Requirements?
The AMS program performs a similar function to the ACAS program. Just like ACAS, it is an electronic system operated by CBP, designed to collect advanced information before shipment arrives in the country.
Shipments that CBP considers safe move onto the next phase of customs clearance, while those that are risky are flagged for further inspection. An air AMS filing is required for all shipments coming into the US via air.
All AMS filings, including Air AMS, are now done with CBP’s Automated Commercial Environment (ACE), and there are strict time cutoffs that are specific to the mode of transport. For shipments coming in via air, four hours before the aircraft is due to land in the US
Filing Requirements for AMS
The filing requirements for AMS are extensive. The following are the filing requirements specific to AIR AMS -
- The full name and address of the shipper
- The full name and address of the consignee
- A complete description of the Cargo with the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes, where applicable
- A detailed breakdown of the quantity of goods by units and weight
- The gross weight of each shipment
- The port of origin
- The destination (port of arrival in the US)
- Details about the carrier
- The House Air Waybill (HAWB) and the Master Air Waybill (MAWB), if applicable
- The ICAO/IATA codes of the departure and arrival airports
- A detailed breakdown of the quantity of goods by units and weight, along with the gross weight
- The flight number and the aircraft’s registration (if applicable)
Filling in all of the above details accurately and on time is key to avoiding any delays and penalties during the customs clearance process.
It’s important to note that if your shipment is arriving via air, you must file both ACAS and AIR AMS. The following table will highlight the differences between the two filings to help you avoid confusion.
| Parameters | ACAS | AIR AMS |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose |
Security screening and risk assessment before loading the cargo |
Cargo manifest reporting to facilitate customs clearance |
| Governing agencies |
CBP and TSA |
CBP |
| When does it have to be filed? |
Before the cargo is loaded onto the aircraft |
At least 4 hours before the aircraft is due to land in the US |
| Applies to |
All air cargo entering or transiting U.S. airspace |
All air cargo entering or transiting U.S. airspace |
| What happens if you don’t file it on time? |
Your cargo will not be loaded onto the aircraft. |
The shipment will be held or delayed on arrival. Additional penalties may be levied. |
Recent Policy Changes Affecting ACAS and AMS Filings in 2025
While the ACAS and AMS filing continue to be mandatory, several administrative changes impact these two processes directly or indirectly, such as –
Suspension of the De Minimis Entry Exemption
The most significant change is the suspension of the De Minimis entry exemption for low-value shipments, based on an executive order passed in July of 2025. Post this order, the Section 321 exemption for shipments valued under $800 no longer applies. As a consequence, every shipment now undergoes the formal customs process and requires applicable ACAS and AMS filings.
That said, personal letters, travel items for personal use valued under $200, and bona fide gifts valued under $100 do not require formal entries.
New Enforcement Proposals
The administration has also brought in new rules to ensure strict adherence to filing requirements. Starting on the 27th of September, a new automated system has been put in place that automatically rejects filings that contain insufficient cargo information. This system governs filings made for all modes of entry.
Best Practices to Stay Compliant With the Latest ACAS and AMS Filing Requirements
As things are now, you will have to file for import and in-transit cargo. At the same time, you will also need to ensure that every single aspect of the process (timelines and data requirements) is followed down to the T. That said, the checklist below should help you stay on track and avoid rejections or delays.
- File ACAS data well in advance – If the shipment is coming in via air, ACAS data needs to be filed well in advance of loading. Your cargo will not be allowed on the aircraft till it is submitted and validated.
- Submit the AMS filing before arrival – AMS filings have strict submission cutoff times based on the mode of transport. Submit the filing well in advance.
- Verify Shipper and Consignee details – Incorrect shipper and consignee details are the most common cause of rejections. Verify them against the shipping documents before submission.
- Provide detailed and accurate cargo information – Generic, inaccurate, or incomplete cargo data will now result in automatic rejection of your filing. Provide all necessary information, subject to the mode of transport.
Sail Through Customs Easily With CustomsCity
The latest slew of policy and procedural changes has flipped the script on how goods travel into and through the United States. Now, more than ever, compliance with every aspect of ACAS and AMS filings has never been so critical.
In such circumstances, it’s best to rope in the experts and let them handle the important aspects of the customs clearance process. CustomsCity is a customs compliance platform along with a dedicated customs broker is a team who can help your in-transit shipments sail through Customs.
Book a demo today to find out how CustomsCity can speed up your ACAS and AMS filings and keep your shipments moving smoothly.
FAQs
What is the ACAS program?
The Air Cargo Advance Screening (ACAS) program is a pre-screening process that applies to all shipments coming into the US via an air carrier. Its purpose is to help CBP determine if a cargo is safe and compliant enough to be allowed to board an aircraft coming into the country.
What is the AMS program?
The Automated Manifest System (AMS) is a system that collects cargo information of all shipments entering the US electronically via the ACE in advance. Its purpose is to give CBP the ability to identify which shipments are safe and flag those shipments that may need to be inspected further.
What happens if ACAS or AMS filings are late or inaccurate?
Your cargo will not be allowed to be loaded onto the aircraft if the ACS filing has not been submitted and verified by CBP. In case of the AMS, delays in filing will result in additional delays in clearing customs and result in penalties. In case of inaccurate information based on recent changes, your filing will be rejected automatically.
