On May 22, 2020, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) deployed an automated online application located on CBP.gov for submitting electronic vessel manifest confidentiality requirements.

With the new online application, carriers, importers, exporters and consignees now have the following benefits at their fingertips:

· Online submissions: Requests for confidential treatment of name and address on inward and outward vessel manifests can be submitted through the new online application form found on the CBP.gov Electronic Vessel Manifest Confidentiality Webpage instead of through paper mailings.

· Quicker processing:  Online submissions reduce processing time of confidentiality requests from between 60 and 90 days to as little as 24 hours.

· Enhanced name recognition options:  The new online application enables companies and individuals to directly input all applicable name variations as part of their confidentiality request. This will enhance the requesting party’s ability to ensure that a name provided matches the name entered electronically in ACE.

 Users are encouraged to review the Electronic Vessel Manifest Confidentiality Information Notice and access the new online application by visiting the Electronic Vessel Manifest Confidentiality Webpage on CBP.gov.

Related Messages: CSMS #42747527