Cargo Systems Messaging Service

CSMS #49714093 - Reporting Natural Gas Unit of Measurement to CBP

This CSMS replaces 14-000515.  CBP evaluates and approves natural gas measurement systems for the determination of the custody transfer quantity of natural gas, whether liquefied or in the gaseous state, as part of the requirements for the measurement of petroleum and petroleum products. Natural gas measurement systems that meet or exceed the installation and performance criteria found in the most current version of the API MPMS and are operated in compliance with CBP Regulations are normally acceptable for CBP purposes. Therefore, CBP approved meters for natural gas are capable of providing a volume measurement. For all interactions with CBP including entry, industry should report these volume measurements in units of cubic meters whether the natural gas is admitted into the commerce of the U.S. or a foreign trade zone (FTZ). We note that natural gas measurement systems used by industry may calculate volume in units of cubic feet.  In these cases, industry should refer to API MPMS Chapter 14, Section 3.3 Annex E, which provides a conversion table from cubic feet to cubic meters for common reference pressure and temperature conditions.

Please direct any questions concerning this message to the Laboratories & Scientific Services at LSSPetroleum@cbp.dhs.gov.