ACE Ocean #
What is a SCAC? #
A SCAC is a 4-digit code that the NMFTA assigns to a carrier or freight forwarder to make submissions to CBP.
What is FROB shipment? #
Freight Remaining on Board means cargo which is laden in a foreign port, is intended for discharge in a foreign port, and remains aboard a vessel during either direct or indirect stops at one or more intervening United States ports.
What ISF means? #
ISF stands for Importer Security Filing. It’s also referred to as ’10+2. ‘ ISF is a required filing to clear U.S. Customs (CBP). It requires importers and vessel operating carriers to provide advance shipment information to CBP for U.S.-bound ocean cargo.
What is the difference between AMS and ISF? #
AMS means Advanced Manifest System (Shipping carriers must report their cargo to destination customs before sailing), while ISF means Importer Security Filing (Prior to loading into container or onto ship, a counter party at destination must register your cargo into the customs system – a kind of AMS reconciliation handshake).
What is a Bill of Lading and what is its purpose? #
A bill of lading serves as a document of title, which allows the person holding it to claim possession of your shipment, has three main purposes. First, it is a document of title to the goods described in the bill of lading. Secondly, it is a receipt for the shipped products. Finally, the bill of lading represents the agreed terms and conditions for the transportation of the goods.
What is a Regular Bill? #
A bill of lading that serves as a receipt for a shipment from one exporter, which is also referred to as straight bill or simple bill.
What is a House Bill? #
House Bill of Lading are issued for each of the smaller parcels of goods vanned into a container.
What is a Master Bill? #
Master bill of lading is a receipt that could potentially cover the shipments of many exporters, as they are consolidated by the carrier into a larger shipment.
Parties Involved
What classifies an entity as a carrier according to CBP? #
CBP views the carrier as the entity which controls the vessel, including:
Determining the ports of call
Controlling the loading and discharging cargo
Knowledge of cargo information
Issuing bills of lading
The entity that has typically provided the CBP Form 1302 cargo declaration or the cargo information to prepare the CBP Form 1302 to the vessel agent.
What is the role of the Secondary Notify Party (SNP)? #
The Secondary Notify Party are limited participants in ACE Ocean. The participant may perform the following:
Receive status notifications on behalf of a primary carrier
Request permit to transfers
Arrive in-bonds on behalf of the primary carrier
Entering the Second Notify SCAC will allow the SNP to receive a copy of the Bill of Lading releases or BL status. It is mandatory for NVOCC bill to provide vessel operator’s SCAC in this field.
What is considered Bulk cargo and what is considered Break bulk cargo? #
Bulk cargo involves loading large amounts of loose goods onto a shipping vessel for transportation. Traditional bulk shipping is either considered dry bulk (like grains, salt, sugar, sand, iron ore and unmixed cement) or liquid bulk (like crude oil, petroleum and vegetable oil).
Some items can’t fit in a container or ship as a standard bulk item. That’s when you may need to consider breakbulk shipping.
Breakbulk cargo also referred to as non-containerized — is too large to fit in standard containers. They are neither dry aggregates nor liquid.
So, the key difference between the two is the loose goods aspect of it.
Who is responsible for filing an ISF? #
The ISF Importer is required to submit the Importer Security Filing. The ISF Importer is the party causing the goods to arrive within the limits of a port in the United States by vessel.
Can a foreign entity be the ISF importer? #
Yes, but a U.S. entity must be provided for the consignee element.
Does the filing agent for the importer have to be a licensed customs broker? Can it be the foreign freight forwarder? #
A filing agent does not have to be a customs broker except for the case of a unified filing. A foreign freight forwarder can also be a filing agent.
Process and Filing #
What is the process for the submission of an AMS Marine? #
AMS filers have been given 60 days to begin transmitting the vessel departure information. It is important that AMS filers first transmit the cargo declaration data to CBP then once the acceptance message has been received by the filer, the date and time of sailing must be transmitted. The sequence of events is as follows:
The carrier/authorized transmitting party transmits cargo declaration data to CBP via Sea AMS.
CBP transmits an acceptance message to the carrier/ authorized transmitting party indicating that the number of bills of lading that have been accepted and rejected.
The carrier/authorized transmitting party resolves any issues with rejected bills and receives an acceptance message from CBP for all bills of lading on the vessel.
The carrier/authorized transmitting party transmits the date and time of sailing.
What are the timeframes for ACE Ocean reporting? #
For non-bulk vessels, the AMS transmission must be received by CBP 24 hours before lading in foreign port.
For bulk vessels, the AMS transmission must be received 24 hours before arrival in the United States.
| Party | Data | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
Marine Carriers (or Marine Agents) |
Manifest |
24 hours prior to loading |
Master Bill of Lading |
24 hours prior to loading |
|
Vessel Departure |
Upon sailing foreign port |
|
Vessel Arrival |
Upon arrival at US port |
|
Freight Forwarders |
Manifest |
24 hours prior to loading |
Master Bill of Lading |
24 hours prior to loading |
What is FMC (OTI) and C3 Bonds? #
FMC (OTI) and C3 Bonds
Federal Maritime Commision (FMC Bonds) US Law requires all Ocean Transportation Intermediary (OTI) operations to provide proof of financial responsibility to secure their obligations to the Federal Maritime Commission as well as to third parties for their transportation related activities as an OTI.
How to obtain a U.S. Customs Bond? #
You can obtain a U.S. Customs and Border Protection bond through a surety licensed by the US Department of the Treasury. Please visit the Bureau of the Fiscal Service for a list of sureties. Many Customs brokers sell bonds and are also agents for sureties. For a list of licensed customs brokers, check the port of entry . You may also contact the CBP Broker Management Branch by email at brokermanagement@cbp.dhs.gov.
Why 1Y is not on file? #
These are the possible reasons:
Ocean BL indicated in AMS not match with carrier’s MBL
Container number mismatch
Timing issue caused by NVOC AMS ahead of Carrier’s filing.
Customs outage
How to get 1Y response? #
1Y means MVOC-NVOC Bill of Lading Match
Getting a match with carrier filing (1Y)
Freight Forwarder must check with his Carrier the following:
MBL filed by their carrier.
Carrier should indicate on their filing that there’s HBL associated on their AMS
What does 3Z means? #
3Z means Importer Security Filing on File.
Getting match with Importers filing (3Z).
Freight Forwarder must check with his carrier the following.
Check with Importer if they have filed the ISF.
Verify to the importer the BL # and BL type they have filed. It should be match to their AMS.
Will there be a penalty if an ISF has no AMS match? #
Yes, there can be a penalty if there is no AMS match prior to the cargo’s arrival in the U.S. You should continue to query the bill of lading in AMS to get a match so the ISF will be considered complete and accurate prior to arrival of the cargo in the U.S. to avoid any potential claims. Per CBP, if the no-match is caused by the carrier, CBP will not consider the ISF Importer of Record to have been in violation and subject to a claim.
What does 6H means? #
Means (No Load) – Cargo should not be loaded to a vessel sailing or transiting CBP territory. For any questions related to “DO NOT LOAD” messages issued by CBP, please call the individual port office directly. The contacts for all the port offices can be found at this website: http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/toolbox/contacts/ports/
What does 6I means? #
Means (Release of No Load) – Cargo may again resume loading to vessel destined for sailing or transiting CBP territory.
Why 3Z is not reflecting on the responses after resubmission? #
3Z response comes will be posted once after the initial response, it will not reappear after the cancellation and resubmission of the bills.
How to update the piece count/quantity of the goods? #
Piece count can be simply modified in ACE Ocean, no cancellation required.
How to change the vessel information on the manifest? #
Changes on the manifest requires cancellation.
If I receive a hold message on my AMS transmission, who can I contact for more information? #
Contact the port that is dealing with the vessel directly.
What happens if ISF is not filed? #
The penalties incurred for failing to submit an ISF within the required timeframe or submitting incorrect ISF information can amount to $5,000.00 per infraction and/or up to $10,000.00 per transaction.
Can we file the ISF a week before departure of the vessel? #
Yes. Early filing of ISF is encouraged as it allows more time to make amendments and it is a good practice to ensure that a bond can be secured in time for the filing.
What is the required time frame for reporting amendments to an ISF? #
An ISF must be amended if there is a change or more accurate information becomes available.
For flexible timing options, amendments should be updated as soon as they are known, but amendments should not be made 24 hours prior to arrival of the vessel in the first U.S. port. Despite this, CBP will not restrict amendments after arrival.
Can I still file ISF if the cargo has arrived? Is it true that I can still file ISF if the cargo has not left customs custody? Is this correct? #
Yes, in order to get cargo released and file an entry, an ISF must be filed. CBP will continue to accept the ISF submission types 5 and 6 commonly known as “Late ISF – No Bond” options to complete the filing without a bond until further notice to the trade. There can be no liquidated damage claim if there is no ISF Bond in place to obligate the risk. However, CBP may not release the cargo without an ISF Bond, either from the ISF Importer of Record or the ISF Filer. Using this ISF submission type will also result in costly examinations of delay of cargo.
If an ISF is not filed, will the carrier receive a do not load message? Should the carrier refrain from loading the cargo if the ISF is not filed at origin? #
Per CBP, carriers are not liable for ISF filing so they are not exposed to liquidated damages if they load a non-compliant cargo as that remains the ISF Importer of Record’s responsibility. It would be up to each carrier to require proof of an ISF before they load cargo.
If a shipment has already arrived and ISF has not been filed, should we still file the ISF? #
CBP has been in full enforcement phase of the ISF since July 9, 2013. Release of shipments with no associated ISF will be withheld until the ISF is provided.
What are the ISF requirements for household goods/personal effects? Do you need an ISF bond? #
CBP’s FAQ states, “As a matter of policy, certain types of ISF coded transactions will not require a bond to cover the ISF requirements.” The bond requirements have been waived for the following types, but please refer to CBP’s Q&A document for full clarification which can be found at the following link. We also encourage you to email CBP directly if you have any questions about ISF exemptions.
Type 3 “Household Goods/Personal Effects”
Type 4 “Government and Military”
Type 5 “Diplomatic”
Type 6 “Carnets”
Type 9 “International Mail”
Type 11 “Informal Shipments”
Common Error Codes & Resolution #
| Error Code/Description | Resolution |
|---|---|
098 NOT AUTHORIZED TO TRANSMIT |
User should provide a valid carrier code registered with CBP |
148 INCORRECT CONV CODE |
The conveyance/vessel code provided by user is not the Lloyds of London registry code. User either enters a valid Lloyds code or leave it blank. |
102 NO BILLS PROCESS FOR PORT |
Errors in manifest main information so no bills have been processed. User need to correct the errors in manifest and send the manifest with bills again. |
098 NOT AUTHORIZED TO TRANSMIT |
Possible reasons: I. The port of discharge in manifest is not valid. II. Port of Discharge is valid but user is not authorized to transmit manifest to the port. |
015 INVALID EST ARR DATE |
Invalid ETA, ETA should be future date. |
BL Rejected because Manifest Rejected |
BL is rejected due to erroneous manifest main information. Only got this error if manifest is rejected so need to amend the manifest information and resend the manifest with bills. |
058 ACCUM QTY NOT=BILL QTY |
The value for Total No of packages in BL header page does not equal the sum of No of packages in the Detail page. |
038 B/L ALREADY ON FILE |
The Bill of Lading Sequence Number shows a number that has already been transmitted within the past 3 years. User need to provide another sequence no. |
034 INVALID FOREIGN PORT |
Port of loading code doesn’t exist in CBP. Need to make sure the code exist in our system. |
129 H01/M15 ARR DTE EXC TODAY |
Departure date entered by user is in the future. It should be in EST. |
039 MANIFEST NOT ON FILE |
Manifest is not yet accepted by CBP. User need to send manifest and get it accepted by CBP before sending vessel departure. |
129 H01/M15 ARR DTE EXC TODAY |
Arrival date entered by user is in the future. It should be in EST. |
155 H01 ALREADY TRANS FOR PORT |
Multiple arrival dates for the same port was sent to CBP. User has probably done vessel arrival before or through other ways. |
142 CONV ALREADY ARRIVED |
The Arrival Date/Time is already on file. User has probably done vessel arrival before or through other ways. |
Common Invalid Rejection Messages #
| Rejection Message | Descrição | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
898 MISS OR INV CARRIER PROFLE |
Possible reason is the new Letter of Intent (LOI) were not yet processed by CBP / Carrier has no valid EDI profile. |
Call or send an email to GeTS support for assistance with confirmation if you have submitted an LOI: support@globaletrade.services |
299 INVALID B/L IN B04/N9 |
If a user's NVOCC AMS bill receive rejection "299 INVALID B/L IN B04/N9" means that the corresponding carrier has filed their AMS manifest with wrong bill type (Regular Bill). Regular Bill type by the carrier indicates to CBP that there is no freight forwarder involved in this shipment so CBP is not expecting any NVOCC AMS BL submission hence, rejecting the BL. |
Inform the carrier to amend their bill type to MVOCC or MVOCC (FROB) BL. Once the carrier submits the change. Freight forwarder user can then send the NVOCC AMS BL as ADD. |
102 NO BILLS PROCESSED FOR PORT and 136 INVALID ISSUER CODE |
Rejection pertains to the manifest SCAC. If the client got this kind of rejection that only means, SCAC is DELETED in ACE Carrier file. |
Client may contact NMFTA. |
7H NII Exam |
This means that a Non-Intrusive Inspection (x-ray) has been ordered and the cargo has been held. A NII completed message, (7I) may follow indicating that the inspection is completed. or Disposition code 7H means Non-Intrusive Inspection - Generated to an AMS carrier when a new bill of lading has been selected for a NII exam. NII Exam- This exam is also known as a Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII) or a VACIS exam. CBP simply orders the container to be driven through the X-ray machine at the ocean terminal and reviews the pictures. |
Response will change once they are done |
033 Invalid DDPP |
Port of Unlading Code data element contains a code that does not appear in the Census Schedule D Port code list. Port of Unlading Code data element is missing When Message Code data element is 4, 9, U or Y the Port of Unlading Code data element is missing. U.S. Port of Destination data element is missing or contains a code that does not appear in the Census Schedule D Port code list. When Message Code data element contains code 1, 2, 3, 4, or Z the Port of Arrival data element contains a code that does not appear in the Census Schedule D Port code list or is not a valid In-Bond destination. Port of Unlading Code data element submitted does not match the Manifest on file (Combination of these 4 elements: SCAC, Conveyance ID, Manifest sequence number and voyage number) |
|
Invalid Carrier Code Invalid Issuer Code Invalid SNP |
ACE manifest will be rejected when the SCAC code supplied for the manifest carrier or Bill of lading Issuer is not active. Import Manifest Ocean/Rail/Truck/QP EDI messages with inactive or invalid SCAC codes will receive one of the following • 009 Invalid Carrier Code • 136 Invalid Issuer Code • 040 Invalid SNP As per CBP Instruction • Ensure for the annual SCAC renewal to NMFTA. NMFTA can be contacted at customerservice@nmfta.org • With a current SCAC assignment or renewal letter, the carrier may contact amsscac@cbp.dhs.gov and/or assigned CBP client representative to report the issue, along with the exact error code received. Import manifest AIR CAMIR - messages containing an inactive or invalid IATA/ICAO code or airwaybill prefix will receive one of the following errors and should contact their assigned CBP client representative. • 021 Invalid Carrier Code • 023 Invalid Air waybill number prefix |
|
T86 #
Is Entry Type 86 filing mandatory? #
Answer: No, Entry Type 86 is a voluntary test. The release from manifest process will continue to be an option for filing entry on de minimis shipments.
Will Entry Type 86 have an associated entry number? #
Answer: Yes, Entry Type 86 will have an entry number.
Will Entry Type 86 have an associated entry number? #
Answer: Yes, entry Type 86 will have an entry number.
Who can file Entry Type 86? #
Answer: An owner, or purchaser of a Section 321 low-valued shipment, or, when appropriately designated, a customs broker appointed by an owner, purchaser, or consignee. Note that consignees may only file by appointing a customs broker to act as the importer of record (IOR) for the shipment.
Will an IOR number be required for Entry Type 86? #
Answer: Providing an IOR number is conditional for Entry Type 86, subject to applicable Partner Government Agency (PGA) requirements.
Is a power of attorney required for brokers to file Entry Type 86? #
Answer: Yes, for purposes of this test customs brokers must be authorized to conduct customs business on behalf of the owner, purchaser, or consignee of eligible shipments through a valid power of attorney.
Is filing an Entry Type 86 considered customs business? #
Answer: Yes, filing an Entry Type 86 is considered customs business due to the classification of the merchandise within a shipment at the 10-digit level of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule if the United States.
Do duties, taxes and fees, apply to Entry Type 86? #
Answer: No. Shipments qualifying for Entry Type 86 are not subject to duties, taxes and fees. If the shipment requires fee collection (e.g. agricultural fees), filers must file a Type 01 Consumption or Type 11 Informal entry.
How is the value of de minimis determined? #
Answer: To qualify for Entry Type 86, the goods must have an aggregate fair retail value of $800 or less in the country of shipment.
Is there a bond requirement for Entry Type 86? #
Answer: There is no bond requirement for Entry Type 86. However, if CBP determines a shipment does not qualify for de minimis treatment and requires formal entry, a bond will be required to file an Type 01 Consumption Entry.
Can Entry Type 86 be filed at any commercial port of entry? #
Answer: Yes. Brokers filing an Entry Type 86 on behalf of others must possess the proper permit.
How will CBP validate the “one shipment, per person, per day, not to exceed $800” requirement? #
Answer: CBP’s expectation for all filers and self-filers participating in the test to exercise reasonable care, and fulfill their responsibility of complying with the statutory limitation for de minimis pursuant to 19 USC 1321.
Can a shipment be broken up to take advantage of the $800 duty free treatment? #
Answer: No. Pursuant to 19 C.F.R. § 10.151, if a port director has reason to believe that a “shipment is one of several lots covered by a single order or contract and that it was sent separately for the express purpose of securing free entry,” he must not accord duty free treatment to the shipment.
Can multiple shipments be consolidated into one Entry Type 86? #
Answer: No, multiple shipments cannot be consolidated into one Entry Type 86. Only a simple one master house or bill can be provided on an Entry Type 86.
Is Entry Type 86 applicable to all PGAS? #
Answer: Entry Type 86 will be applicable to any PGA regulated commodity that requires a PGA message set, including those that have associated disclaims. Entry Type 86 is not available to PGA regulated commodities that require fee collection.
What is the difference between the current processing of de minimis shipments and Entry Type 86? #
Answer: Currently, shipments qualifying for de minimis treatment are subject to the release from manifest process, which cannot be used for PGA regulated commodities. Entry Type 86 will instead allow filing through ABI and can be used for PGA regulated commodities.
Are there goods that are not permitted be filed under Entry Type 86? #
Answer: Yes. Goods subject to Antidumping/Countervailing Duty (AD/CVD), goods subject to quota, certain tobacco and alcohol products, and goods taxed under the Internal Revenue Code, are not permitted to be filed under Entry Type 86.
Can I file an Entry Type 86 for a Chapter 98 (special classification provisions) commodity? #
Answer: Filing an Entry Type 86 for a Chapter 98 commodity is permitted. In certain cases, a subheading under Chapter 98 is the only Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) classification that can be provided. However, if the goods can be classified under Chapters 1-97, please utilize those HTSUS numbers. The intent of collecting HTSUS data is for CBP to identify what goods are entering the United States under de minimis provisions. When utilizing Chapter 98, please be cognizant that certain goods, such as those subject to Antidumping/Countervailing Duty (AD/CVD), goods subject to quota, certain tobacco and alcohol products, and goods taxed under the Internal Revenue Code, are not permitted to be filed under Entry Type 86. In these cases, formal entry may be required.
Can I file an Entry Type 86 for a Chapter 99 (temporary legislation; temporary modifications pursuant to trade agreements legislation; additional import restrictions pursuant to Section 22 of the agricultural adjustment act, as amended) commodity? #
Answer: Filing an Entry Type 86 for a Chapter 99 commodity may be permitted if the underlying Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States number, that is classified under Chapters 1-97, is provided. When utilizing Chapter 99, please be cognizant that certain goods such as subject to Antidumping/Countervailing Duty (AD/CVD), goods subject to quota, certain tobacco and alcohol products, and goods taxed under the Internal Revenue Code, are not permitted to be filed under Entry Type 86. In these cases, formal entry may be required.
Will an entry subject to Section 301 duties be allowed for Entry Type 86? #
Answer: Yes, barring subsequent notice to the contrary, an entry that is subject to Section 301 that meets de minimis requirements may currently be filed as an Entry Type 86.
Will an entry subject to Section 201 be allowed for Entry Type 86? #
Answer: Yes, an entry that is subject to Section 201 may be filed as an Entry Type 86.
Will an entry subject to 232 be allowed for Entry Type 86? #
Answer: Yes, an entry that is subject to 232 that meets de minimis requirements will be able to be filed as an Entry Type 86. Note that merchandise subject to a quota does not qualify for the de minimis exemption, nor is it eligible for informal entry procedures.
Can an Entry Type 86 be corrected? #
Answer: Yes, an Entry Type 86 can be corrected prior to release.
Can a post summary correction (PSC) be filed for an Entry Type 86? #
Answer: No, a PSC cannot be filed for an Entry Type 86.
Can an Entry Type 86 be cancelled? #
Answer: Yes, an Entry Type 86 can be cancelled.
Source: Entry Type 86 Frequently Asked Questions | U.S. Customs and Border Protection (cbp.gov)
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