With the deployment of ACE e-manifest capabilities on Nov. 7 in Piegan, Mont., all ports on the nation’s northern and southern land borders are capable of processing e-manifests. The submission of e-manifests is already required in 15 states. After the new requirement for Alaska goes into effect, e-manifests will be required at all 99 U.S. land border ports.

During the initial enforcement phase in Alaska, CBP intends to exercise discretion by issuing “informed compliance” notices to carriers that arrive without submitting or attempting to submit an e-manifest. These notices will alert truck carriers to a violation of the Trade Act of 2002, which requires submission of advance electronic cargo information.

On April 11, 2008, CBP will begin fully enforcing the mandatory e-manifest policy by denying a permit to proceed to any carrier that arrives at an Alaska land border port without submitting or attempting to submit an e-manifest.

For a short period of time during the full enforcement phase, CBP plans to continue exercising limited enforcement discretion for carriers that attempt to file e-manifests. Following this period of transition, but beginning no earlier than May 11, 2008, CBP will deny a permit to proceed for any truck that arrives at an Alaska land border port without first successfully transmitting an e-manifest for that trip. Monetary penalties of up to $10,000 may also be issued.