TO :	All Directors, Field Operations
FROM :	Executive Director, Trade Programs Office of Field Operations
SUBJECT:	Air Waybill Information in the Aircraft Entrance and Clearance Module of ACS

The purpose of this memo is to provide direction to field offices regarding the input of air waybill data in the aircraft entrance and clearance module of ACS. The goal is to measure the total number of individual consignments of freight aboard the aircraft at the port of arrival. Timely and accurate information regarding the air cargo manifest is necessary for the carrier post audit procedure. Air waybill data is also used in calculating Customs workload and activity in the Operations Management Reports database.

The following guidelines should be followed when recording air waybill data using function code ECAA. The value to be entered in the data field, "AWB COUNT" should be equal to the number of the simple air waybills (air waybills from one shipper to one consignee) plus, for consolidated shipments, the total number of house air waybills. This also includes the total number of house air waybills for express consignment consolidations. Shipments of international mail and unaccompanied baggage not associated with a corresponding air waybill need not be included in the count. The air waybill count for aircraft travelling under the provisions of 19 CFR 122, Subpart I, regarding aircraft moving under a permit to proceed, shall be the total number of air waybills aboard the aircraft when it reports arrival at each port. Freight aboard an aircraft moving under a permit to proceed that was laden domestically for transport between U.S. ports or between a U.S. port and a foreign port would not be included in the count.

Current regulations do not require a manifest for articles arriving from and departing for a foreign country on the same through flight unless the articles must be licensed by the Secretary of State (19 CFR 122.48(b)). Thus, only those air waybills that are required to be manifested should be included in the air waybill count. Any future changes in the regulations regarding the manifesting of foreign cargo remaining on board may affect these procedures.

To facilitate the collection of this information and the entrance of aircraft, airline agents may note the number of air waybills on the General Declaration, CF 7507.

This document may be distributed to the trade community and will be available on the Customs web site. Examples of various types of aircraft arrivals and the correct number air waybill count are attached. For further information regarding this matter, please contact Mr. David M. King of the Manifest and Conveyance Branch at (202) 927-1133.

Elizabeth G. Durant
Executive Director, Field Operations
Executive Director, Passenger Operations