APHIS Shares Core Message Set New AQ3 Flag

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is developing a new APHIS Core Message Set AQ3 flag to alert filers that products under a Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) code require a Message Set. When implemented, the new AQ3 flag (set to “warning severity”) will signal filers that additional data may be required. It will not prohibit filers from successfully submitting an entry without APHIS Core Message Set data or disclaims. APHIS will update filers when the APHIS Core Message Set AQ3 flag is operational.

APHIS is introducing the new flag in response to evidence that some HTS codes are largely disclaimed and do not require APHIS Core Message Set data. This change will eliminate the burden on stakeholders who had to disclaim large volumes of shipments.

 Filers who get an HTS flagged AQ3 entry will receive this message:

                                          “PU2 – DATA MSNG [missing] FOR HTS – NO ACTION REQD.”   

APHIS reminds filers that the AQ3 flag does not eliminate the requirement to file a message set when permits, certificates or other documents are required for agriculture admissibility. The move to an AQ3 flag simply removes the requirement to disclaim products not regulated by APHIS, or indicates data is not required.

For help with the APHIS Core Message Set filing, please visit our website, send an email to ace.itds@usda.gov, or call our help desk at 1-833-481-2102.