Instruments of International Traffic are required to be reported on an ACE eManifest. To report an IIT shipment the carrier will need to set the IIT status on either the truck or trailer, depending on where the IITs are loaded. This tells Customs there are IITs aboard.
When setting the IIT status, the carrier will need to indicate whether the IITs are covered under the importer’s bond or the carriers, as well as whether IITs are the only thing loaded or there are other shipments aboard. (e.g. PAPS) While it is more common for IITs to be covered under the importer’s bond, the carrier must still ensure that the importer has an active bond covering the IITs. It is also advisable for the carrier to obtain the bond number from the importer and ensure that the driver is aware of it.
EC – Shipment consists of empty IIT’s covered by Carrier’s bond
EI – Shipment consists of empty IIT’s covered by Importer’s bond
MC – Shipment consists of merchandise and IIT’s. IIT’s covered by Carrier’s bond
MI – Shipment consists of merchandise and IIT’s. IIT’s covered by Importer’s bond
At the border, the Customs officer will not typically require any additional paperwork to process the IIT shipment, although the driver may be asked to provide bills of lading or the IIT bond number at the officer’s discretion.