Area Port of New Orleans/Area Port of Mobile
SUBJECT: Cargo Declarations: Mandatory Transition to Electronic Export Manifest (EEM) or Hard-Copy Submissions by December 1, 2025
This notice serves to inform carriers, vessel agents, and other trade participants of a final extension regarding the use of the Document Image System (DIS) for submitting outbound cargo declarations.
Effective December 1, 2025, the Document Image System (DIS) will no longer be an acceptable method for submitting the Outbound Cargo Declaration. This includes the CBP Form 1302A Outbound Cargo Declaration, supplemental form CBP 168, or any associated documents that comprise the outbound cargo manifest.
Filing Complete Outbound Manifests and Export Declarations: 19 CFR §4.75b
Vessel Masters/Agents shall file complete outbound manifests and export declarations not later than the fourth (4th) business day after clearance is granted. The timeframe to calculate the four (4) business days to file complete outbound manifests and export declarations begins on the first day after clearance is granted. Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays do not count when calculating the four (4) business days to file complete outbound manifests and export declarations.
Key Actions for Trade Participants:
- For Carriers and Vessel Agents currently in the Electronic Export Manifest (EEM) pilot: If you have already begun internal development or are utilizing EEM software from approved vendors, you should complete your testing and fully transition to submitting via EEM.
- For Carriers and Vessel Agents not yet in the EEM Pilot: You must complete your transition off the DIS system by December 1, 2025.
- Vessel agents are responsible for ensuring all Standard Carrier Alpha Codes (SCAC) for export cargo on board a vessel are accurately included in the Vessel Entrance and Clearance System (VECS) clearance filing. SCAC codes are essential for identifying carriers and tracking cargo entering and exiting the country.
Acceptable Outbound Manifest Submission Types (Effective December 1, 2025):
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Electronic Export Manifest (EEM): This is the preferred method for Outbound Manifest submissions.
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Hand Delivered: A hard-copy CBP Form 1302A and associated documents must be submitted according to local port guidance within four (4) business days of the vessel’s clearance.
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Mail: A hard-copy CBP Form 1302A and associated documents must be received by CBP according to local port guidance within four (4) business days of the vessel’s clearance.
Prohibited Submission Method: Filing of the outbound cargo declaration under 19 CFR 4.63 to port email inboxes is NOT allowed. Please note that CBP Officer requests for additional documentation may still be emailed to port inboxes.
Consequences: Failure to submit the required documentation within the specified timeframe will result in an assessment of liquidated damages against the carrier’s bond.
Resources and Support:
- Approved Software Vendors: A list of approved software vendors can be found in Appendix P of the EEM Implementation Guides.
- CBP Client Representative: Interested carriers, non-vessel operators (NVOs), vessel agents, and service providers should contact their CBP Client Representative for more information.
- Questions: All questions should be directed to the Outbound Enforcement and Policy Branch at cbpvesselexportmanifest@cbp.dhs.gov.
CBP appreciates the trade community's cooperation in ensuring a smooth transition to these updated submission procedures.
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