Cargo Systems Messaging Service
CSMS #38651094 - Reminder – Changes to CSMS Messaging
Created in the 1990s, the Cargo Systems Messaging Service, or CSMS, was developed by CBP to provide timely service messages to automated cargo systems users as well as courtesy messages on related trade processing information. Recently, due to the aging technology currently in use, the CSMS messaging service has become increasingly unstable and poses a risk to CBP’s ability to send timely messaging on issues affecting the systems users. After looking into several options for modernizing the technology, CBP’s Trade Transformation Office identified a solution that will ensure dependable service. The new technology platform will provide additional benefits, such as the elimination of duplicative messages, improved messaging formats, the ability to embed hyperlinks into messages, etc. CBP will transition to this new technology for issuing CSMS messages on July 1, 2019. Overall impacts to end users will be minimal. Here’s what you need to know about the transition:
Notice anything different?
One of the benefits of the transition is the improved formatting that will be applied to messages. In fact, this message was sent from the new CSMS platform and demonstrates some of the enhanced formatting capabilities that you can expect to see in future CSMS messages. We anticipate these improvements, like bold text, hyperlinks, bulleting, etc., will help recipients find pertinent information more quickly than can be done with messages sent via the current technology.
Do I need to re-subscribe and will I receive a message for each subscription group?
No. Current recipients of CSMS messages will not be required to re-subscribe as part of this transition; all existing subscriptions will be maintained.
As you know, under the current CSMS platform, subscribing to multiple groups means that users receive multiple messages. With the updated platform, users will only receive one version of the message, regardless of how many groups to which they may be subscribed.
Will CSMS messages still be available on CBP.gov?
Yes. To review CSMS messages following the transition, users will navigate to the new CSMS webpage. This page has been created in advance of the transition so that users may familiarize themselves with the new structure for viewing and searching posted messages. Users will find links to the previous 100 messages directly on the new CSMS webpage. To access older messages, users should:
- Open the file located at bottom of the page;
- Search (Ctrl+F) for messages by CSMS number, title, or date.
Please note that the legacy CSMS webpage will continue to be updated through June 30, 2019. After that time, all new messages will be found through the new CSMS webpage. The legacy CSMS webpage will remain available for reference until September 30, 2019. On October 1, 2019, the legacy CSMS webpage will be shut down and access to the CSMS archive will only be available through the new CSMS webpage.
More information regarding how to access the archives can be found in the attached New CSMS Page information sheet.
Will CSMS messages continue to be numbered?
Yes. Although the sequencing will be different under the new platform, CSMS messages will continue to be labeled with an associated number to assist with referencing and identification of messages.
What if I’m current receiving SMS (text) messages?
As part of this transition, we will discontinue the use of SMS messaging to phone numbers. Please make sure you are signed up to receive all updates via email.
What is the overall timeline for the transition?
Looking for additional resources?
Be sure to visit cbp.gov/ace and look out for additional CSMS messages for the latest information on the CSMS transition.
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