The Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) electronic truck manifest (e-manifest) functionality is being deployed to all land border ports during calendar year 2006. This functionality allows for single screen processing for all primary and secondary processing functions, full security screening by the Automated Commercial System (ACS) Selectivity module and the Automated Targeting System (ATS) including display on the processing screen, measurement of workload and control of the workflow of the port.

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is performing outreach to truck carriers and other trade partners encouraging the use of the currently voluntary e-manifest. At the same time, CBP is working to make the use of the e-manifest mandatory under the Trade Act of 2002 and has repeatedly informed the trade of this effort. The Federal Register Notice mandating the use of e-manifest for Trade Act purposes has an anticipated publication date in early summer 2006. In addition, on June 15, 2006 Phase IV of the Trade Act enforcement for truck carriers, that disallows the use of facsimiles indicating that a carrier had sent Pre-Arrival Processing System (PAPS) information to a broker in lieu of the use of ACE e-manifest as an accepted compliance method will be implemented.

All of the steps taken in the last few months have led to a 75% increase in the use of e-manifests at currently enabled ports. While the total number is still quite small, analysis of these transmissions indicate that more carriers are attempting to transmit e-manifests prior to arriving in the U.S. As the use of e-manifest grows, the need for uniform guidance to both trade partners and CBP becomes evident. Specifically, a way of identifying that a carrier has transmitted an e-manifest for a specific truck is needed to ensure proper processing by CBP Officers.

Attached and below is guidance to assist carriers and CBP in identifying e-manifest transactions. CBP Officers have been provided with this guidance and will be looking to carriers to provide one of the two documents mentioned. This is designed to quickly allow CBP Officers to identify and process e-manifest shipments so carriers are encouraged to quickly participate if transmitting e-manifests. Presentation of one of the documents mentioned will also provide proof of e-manifest filing for Phase IV enforcement purposes.

Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) E-Manifest Guidelines For Carriers

After successfully transmitting an e-manifest, carriers or their agents should prepare and provide the driver either a CBP Form 7533 (Inward Cargo Manifest) or a cover sheet printed on plain paper. These documents should be annotated with the following minimum information in at least 22-point type:

• “ACE Electronic Manifest” should be printed on document
• “Trip number:” and Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC) + unique identification number for trip. This should be clearly labeled as “trip number” and must be in text. Note: this is not the shipment control number or Pre-Arrival Processing System (PAPS) number.
• Driver’s Name
• Truck (Tractor) License Plate (Must be the one that is transmitted to CBP)

A code “3 of 9” bar code may be provided in addition to the text for these elements.

In addition the following data elements may be added in smaller letters (12 point type maximum):

• Shipment Control Number (SCN): (PAPS or other shipment ID)
• Shipment Description for each SCN

DO NOT PLACE PAPS BARCODE LABELS ON ANY FORMS TO BE HANDED TO CBP OFFICERS IN PRIMARY BOOTHS!

If invoices and PAPS bar-coded manifests are provided to the driver they should remain in the driver’s control and not be given to CBP except upon request. CBP Officers will use these documents for CBP system downtime or validation/examination of shipments.

Free and Secure Trade (FAST) manifest cover sheets will continue to be used for FAST shipments.