Cargo Systems Messaging Service

CSMS # 63476238 - Refinements to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Hydrofluorocarbon Program Available for Controlled Testing in CERT

Minor rule refinements related to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) program are now available in CBP’s CERTIFICATION environment.

EPA requests that trade testers please contact HFCAllocation@epa.gov prior to testing. EPA can work with trade to provide test data and test cases.

The implementation guidance for how to file can be found in the EPA Supplemental Guide to the CATAIR, available at: https://www.cbp.gov/document/forms/epa-supplemental-catair-guidelines.

Trade can expect the following error messages, depending on the scenario:

• In keeping with the guidance that each PGA line should contain either an ASHRAE number (PG07) or a CAS number (PG02C), but not both, then if both are provided, the filer will receive one of the following error codes:
  • [PHF] – PG02C NOT ALWD IF PG07 PRESENT PER PGA
  • [PHG] – PG07 NOT ALWD IF PG02C PRESENT PER PGA
• In keeping with the guidance that an importer must have sufficient allowances to file, then if a filing uses more allowances than an importer has remaining for the year, the filer will receive the following error code
  • [PHH] – INSUFFICIENT ALLOWANCE PER PGA 

These error codes are expected to deploy to CBP’s PRODUCTION environment in late-January 2025. A CSMS will be sent to confirm the actual PRODUCTION date.

For any questions, please contact EPA at: HFCAllocation@epa.gov.

Related message: CSMS 63114216