Applies to the USVI Ports of Entry: St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John
DISTRIBUTION: Carriers, Importing Carriers, Vessel Agents, Brokers, Importers, Freight Forwarders, and Other Interested Trade Parties
Purpose: This message is to inform the trade community that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), U.S. Virgin Islands (U.S.V.I.) St. Thomas Area Port has successfully completed testing of automated electronic cargo manifest submissions through the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE).
Background: CBP, U.S. Virgin Islands St. Thomas Area Port, has completed testing of automated electronic manifest submissions originating from the continental United States and international locations in accordance with previously issued trade guidance. Based on the successful completion of this testing, CBP has confirmed that the capability to receive electronic manifests through ACE is fully operational at all U.S.V.I. ports of entry.
Implementation: Effective March 7, 2026, carriers are required to submit all cargo manifests electronically via CBP's Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) systems for shipments destined to the U.S. Virgin Islands, including:
- Direct foreign shipments
- In-bond shipments
- Shipments originating from the continental United States and Puerto Rico
Once mandatory implementation takes effect, submission of cargo manifests through non-automated methods will no longer be permitted.
Transition Period: CBP will allow a limited transition period following the issuance of this notice to accommodate carriers that have not yet upgraded their systems to comply with this requirement. During this transition period, CBP will exercise enforcement discretion to facilitate compliance while carriers complete the necessary system upgrades.
Enforcement: Following the conclusion of the transition period, failure to submit cargo manifests electronically via CBP's Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) as required may result in enforcement actions consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Trade Act of 2002, which mandates the advance electronic submission of cargo information.
Questions regarding this message may be directed to: usvicei@cbp.dhs.gov
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