As a result of the Trade Act of 2002, use of the Pre Arrival Processing System (PAPS) has become mandatory for truck carriers at land border ports of entry. PAPS requires the carrier to provide a barcode to be placed on a CBP 7533 (Inward Cargo Manifest) and invoice that contains the carrier’s SCAC code and a pro-bill number (northern border) or filer code and entry number (southern border). The invoice is transmitted via FAX or Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) to a customhouse broker for input into the Automated Broker Interface (ABI). The manifest and invoice with barcodes affixed are presented to the CBP Officer at the time of primary processing.

The use of this method of release has created a few processing and auditing problems that need to be accounted for. The purpose of this memorandum is to establish uniform procedures and standards for review for PAPS entries. Customhouse brokers and CBP Officers have stated that the current PAPS requirement to present an invoice copy containing a PAPS barcode at primary release causes additional work for all involved. CBP Officers are using a release stamp on these invoices and forwarding them to the transmitting broker for their records. This causes additional work for all parties with minimal value to CBP.

Beginning immediately for PAPS transactions an invoice with or without an affixed barcode will no longer be required for primary clearance. Transmission of the invoice and PAPS information via FAX or EDI to the customhouse broker is still required. The broker continues to be responsible for maintaining the invoice copies and shall make them available upon demand of a CBP Officer. PAPS entries are not considered to be paperless and require documentation at the time of entry. For release purposes at primary processing locations a properly completed and signed CBP 7533 with a barcode containing the required PAPS information is sufficient.

Due to this change in processing, CBP release stamps are not required to be placed on CBP 7533 or invoices for PAPS entries. The electronic release date retained in the Automated Commercial System (ACS) and transmitted to the filer via ABI will be the date of record for release date purposes. Entry date calculations will be made using the electronic release date in ACS.

Directors, Field Operations should ensure that this information is disseminated to all land border ports under their jurisdiction. Affected Port Directors should ensure that this information is distributed to the trade community no later than January 15, 2005. This information will also be posted to the cbp.gov web site and distributed via email to the affected trade associations.

Any questions or comments may be directed to Mr. James Swanson of my staff at (202) 344-2576 or via email.

Elizabeth G. Durant

Distribution: Director, Field Operations, Boston
Director, Field Operations, Buffalo
Director, Field Operations, Detroit
Director, Field Operations, Seattle
Director, Field Operations, Portland
Director, Field Operations, San Diego
Director, Field Operations, Tucson
Director, Field Operations, El Paso
Director, Field Operations, Laredo