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ACE (Automated Commercial Environment) is the name of the CBP (Customs & Border Protection) platform to process Air eManifest submissions from air carriers, freight forwarders, warehouses, and customs brokers.
The ACAS (Air Cargo Advance Screening) program has been mandatory since June 12, 2018. The ACAS program is a joint public/private partnership with CBP and the TSA (Transportation Security Administration). The ACAS program requires the airline or other 3rd party to submit manifest information before the loading of the cargo at the foreign destination. ACAS allows CBP and the TSA to receive advance security filing cargo data as a means to target cargo shipments inbound to the United States that may be high risk and require additional physical screening under the appropriate regulatory framework and protocols.
International goods valued $800 or less can enter the US duty-free. Some international businesses prefer to clear section 321 shipments by utilizing the below process:
Pricing is per transaction sent to CBP on a monthly basis. Responses received by CBP and sending updates or deletes to CBP are not charged. AMS Air counts as a transaction. Download ACE Air LOI below and email completed form to info@customscity.com
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3000We believe that by adopting modern technologies and combining with the knowledge of Customs & Trade we can deliver the optimal solutions for our customers. CustomsCity will make your eCommerce customs compliance process seamless and cost effective.
Air AMS (Automated Manifest System) is a CBP requirement that asks air carriers to electronically submit cargo manifest details for all flights arriving in the U.S. This gives CBP the information they need to run security checks on inbound air cargo before it lands.
The main responsibility falls on the air carrier. However, freight forwarders, cargo handling agents, and other authorized partners can file on the carrier’s behalf if they have the proper authorization and software.
You’ll need the Master Air Waybill (MAWB) number, the House Air Waybill (HAWB) for consolidated shipments, shipper and consignee details, flight information, cargo descriptions, weight, piece count, airport codes, and the country of origin.
The timing depends on flight duration and cargo type. Typically, Air AMS must be filed before the flight departs from its foreign airport, with more specific deadlines based on how long the flight is to the U.S.
A MAWB (Master Air Waybill) is issued by the carrier for the entire shipment. A HAWB (House Air Waybill) is issued by a freight forwarder or broker for the individual shipments within a consolidation. For consolidated cargo, both documents need to be included in the Air AMS submission.
A MAWB (Master Air Waybill) is issued by the carrier for the entire shipment. A HAWB (House Air Waybill) is issued by a freight forwarder or broker for the individual shipments within a consolidation. For consolidated cargo, both documents need to be included in the Air AMS submission.
A MAWB (Master Air Waybill) is issued by the carrier for the entire shipment. A HAWB (House Air Waybill) is issued by a freight forwarder or broker for the individual shipments within a consolidation. For consolidated cargo, both documents need to be included in the Air AMS submission.
Yes. Filings can be amended before the aircraft arrives if new information comes in or mistakes are found. The software makes amendments quick and keeps a complete audit history of all changes.
CBP can issue civil penalties ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 per violation when filings are late, inaccurate, or missing. Cargo may also be held and subject to more intensive checks.
Yes. It supports both Master and House Air Waybills and automatically links HAWBs to the correct MAWB, ensuring the consolidation structure is properly submitted.
ACAS (Air Cargo Advance Screening) is a CBP security program that requires cargo data to be sent in advance so CBP can run risk assessments before the shipment leaves for the U.S. Unlike Air AMS, which is the full manifest submission, ACAS is specifically about early security screening and follows the 4-hour advance rule.
The ACAS 4-hour rule says that cargo data must be transmitted to CBP at least 4 hours before the aircraft arrives in the U.S. if the flight is 4 hours or longer. For shorter flights, the data has to be submitted before wheels-up at the foreign airport.
Air carriers, their agents, freight forwarders, and anyone involved in moving air cargo to the U.S., whether on passenger planes or cargo-only aircraft, must meet ACAS requirements.
