Cargo Systems Messaging Service
CSMS # 62081967 - ACAS Vague and Unacceptable Description Rejection
On 09/04/2024, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has implemented nationwide rejection of vague descriptions in Air Cargo Advance Screening (ACAS). Prior to issuing rejections, CBP will implement a 30-day warning period, which will end on October 06, 2024. Rejections will be effective on October 07, 2024.
19 CFR § 122.48b(d) uses the same definitions for data elements outlined in 19 CFR § 122.48a, requiring a “precise cargo description or the 6-digit Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS)”. CBP is aiming to address vague cargo descriptions including, but not limited to, “gift”, “daily necessities”, “accessories”, “parts” and “consolidated”. “Consolidated” is only acceptable at the master bill level. Carriers and other parties electing to file ACAS data to CBP are required to provide a precise description of the cargo.
ACAS filers are expected to process these warning and rejection notifications and work to correct the issue with the shipper and bill of lading issuer for compliance on that shipment.
Warning Notification
The warning message will be emailed to the listed ACAS 24x7 point of contact. These warnings will be sent daily with a summary of each vague description, from the previous day.
Sample Warning Email
Subject: ACAS Invalid Cargo Description Report
Attachment: acas_vague_cargo_description.[transmitter code].txt
Email Body: Over the past 24 hours cargo descriptions were included in ACAS filings and determined to be invalid due to being vague. Please see the attachment for bill counts and sample AWBs. The filing was processed normally during the warning period, which ends in 30 days on 10/03/2024 After the warning period, filings with vague cargo descriptions will be rejected.
Rejection Notification
After the warning period, submissions with vague descriptions will be rejected with error code MISSING_CARGO_DESC, which applies when the cargo description is missing or invalid.
Rejection Message
CBP sends all ACAS rejections on a PER message.
Example:
PER
074-54400194-SIN0151749
ERR/400MISSING_CARGO_DESC
ACAS filers, whether air carriers or parties electing to file, are expected to screen data for compliance with cargo declaration regulations. Corrective action is expected immediately. If CBP identifies any enforcement concerns, CBP may take additional actions.
A non-exhaustive list of unacceptable cargo descriptions can be found on the CBP website at: https://www.cbp.gov/document/fact-sheets/unacceptable-vs-acceptable-cargo-descriptions. This list is not a specific itemized list, will continue to evolve, and contains some generic examples which will require programming (e.g. cannot be only numerical values or special characters, must be in English, cannot be a brand name only, etc.). A warning or rejection notification may be sent for a vague description that is not specified on the list. When this occurs, the filer is expected to update that specific filing and then update their software for future filings.
For general questions, or concerns about specific vague description cargo messages, please email OFO-ManifestBranch@cbp.dhs.gov.
Related message: CSMS # 60144714 and CSMS # 60011750
These changes have been deployed to the Production (PROD) environment. Stakeholders can test in their respective Certification (CERT) environment in accordance with existing procedures.
For questions about implementation of these changes, please contact ntcacasonboarding@cbp.dhs.gov. For technical questions, please contact your assigned Client Representative.
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