Cargo Systems Messaging Service

CSMS # 66359035 - Submitting HTS Codes when Filing an Air Import Manifest

When Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) air manifest filers choose to include a Harmonized Tariff System (HTS) code, it should be reported in the free-text cargo description field. If air manifest filers submit the CBP Shipment Description (CSD) to opt to provide the applicable HTS code for a manifest filing, then ACE requires filers to provide the shipment “Declared Value” and “ISO Country Code” for all shipment types.

In the future, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) plans to update ACE to only require the “Declared Value” and "ISO Currency Code" when the applicable HTS code is provided in the CSD record for express house air waybill record when the entry type is “11” or “92” only. Once the update is deployed, all other air manifest filers opting to submit HTS codes in lieu of a precise description will use the HTS code in the CSD record without any additional mandatory data fields.

For more information, review the table on page 21 of CBP’s ACE Air Import Manifest Message Line Identifiers Implementation Guide.

For technical questions, contact your assigned CBP Client Representative. For other questions, contact CBP’s Office of Field Operations Manifest Branch at OFO-MANIFESTBRANCH@cbp.dhs.gov.