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Data You Need to Send to CBP to Participate in the Section 321 Data Pilot3

Global E-Commerce Trends & Statistics in 2020 & Beyond

What is Global E-Commerce? Sometimes referred to as borderless business or cross border commerce among other things, global e-commerce is critically important for any business looking to expand in 2020 and beyond. However, while it is important, navigating the nuances of cross border e-commerce can be complicated given that there are a lot of moving parts. At its core, global commerce is the selling of services or products across international

What is the CBP Air Cargo Advance Screening ACAS Program 6

What is the CBP Air Cargo Advance Screening (ACAS) Program?

The Air Cargo Advance Screening (ACAS) program was implemented on June 12, 2018. Under ACAS, air carriers are required to submit advanced air cargo information for all shipments from foreign locations coming into the United States. Prior to June 12, 2018, the submission of such data was a voluntary process though many airlines were already participating. As it now stands, it is mandatory for all airlines flying into the US

CBP Section 321 Data Pilot for E Commerce Shipments 8

CBP Section 321 Data Pilot for E-Commerce Shipments

What is the Section 321 Data Pilot? Section 321 Data Pilot refers to a voluntary study by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The pilot study began on August 22, 2019 and is expected to run for a year. During the test period participants will electronically transmit cargo information about their e-commerce shipments to CBP before the shipments arrive in the US. The pilot applies to all Section 321

Uploading Section 321 Shipment Data Using JSON XML or CSV 8

Uploading Section 321 Shipment Data Using JSON, XML or CSV

Section 321 is a shipment type used in the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) ACE system that allows low-value shipments of <=$800 USD to be cleared through the border without paying duty or tax. To qualify for Section 321 shipment type any goods being imported into the US should not exceed a value of 800 US dollars. Such goods should also not be one of several lots under a single

What is a CFS Container Freight Station 3

What is a CFS (Container Freight Station)?

A Container Freight Station refers to a facility that consolidates or de-consolidates freight before preparing such freight for the next leg of its journey. Most CFS will be located close to ports of entry such as airports, ocean container ports and major railway hubs.  In the US, a CFS is designated by its FIRMS code.  A list of CFS and their designated FIRMS codes can be found here. Most of

How to Upload Section 321 Shipment Data for ACE Truck eManifest 3

How to Upload Section 321 Shipment Data for ACE Truck eManifest

Since January 2019, it has been mandatory to file advanced eManifest for Section 321 shipments which are shipments with a value of $800 or less. While all shipments that qualify for Section 321 shipments may enter the United States tax and duty-free, the trucker or highway carrier needs to file the electronic eManifest with CBP at least 1 hour before the arrival of the truck at the border. Highway carriers/Truckers

Improve Customs Compliance using eManifest Software 4

Improve Customs Compliance using eManifest Software

Every carrier (including ocean, highway and air)  entering the United States or Canda has to complete an electronic eManifest. Otherwise, the authorities (CBP or CBSA) will force the carrier to go back immediately when it arrives at the border (or even before loading the cargo at the foreign port as is the case for ocean cargo). For companies without best in class eManifest software, the process can be time-consuming and

What are the ACE AIR eManifest Import Message Types 7

What are the ACE Air eManifest Import Message Types?

The following messages are summarized in the CBP ACE Air CAMIR document. ACE Air eManifest was formally referred to as AMS Air or Automated Manifest System. The FRI (Freight Report Inbound) message is used for reporting advance Air eManifest data to the CBP ACE eManifest system.  This message is, however, not usable in amending air shipment data. When amending Air eManifest data the FRC message is used (see below for info on the FRC

What is an Express Consignment Carrier Facility ECCF 3

What is an Express Consignment Carrier Facility (ECCF)?

An Express Consignment Carrier Facility (ECCF) refers to a shared or separate specialized facility that has been authorized by the port director to handle the inspection and clearance of express consignment shipments. It is, for the most part, a bonded warehouse with the authorization and capacity to process high volumes of parcels coming into the United States. Integrators such as DHL, UPS, and FedEx often operate as hubs as well