What’s changing?

United States (U.S.) Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has introduced enhanced Air Cargo Advance Screening (ACAS), targeting inbound packages with ambiguous, unclear or missing descriptions. The ACAS program mandates the submission of advanced air cargo information for shipments arriving in or transiting through the U.S. from international locations. This means that any inbound shipments to the U.S. with vague descriptions of goods may be rejected by CBP for ACAS screening. If CBP rejects a cargo description, FedEx may decline the shipment at origin or hold the shipment at origin until updated information is filed.

What do I need to do?

It is essential to provide an accurate goods description on the Commercial Invoice, FedEx air waybill and shipping label. Descriptions such as ‘parts’, ‘accessories’, or ‘personal use’ do not offer the required clarity for customs brokers to submit a customs entry or for CBP to review. Strong descriptions should accurately describe what the goods are made of and their intended use.

Examples include:

• Children’s toys made of plastic

• Women’s dresses made of 60% cotton and 40% polyester

CBP has issued a list of vague descriptions that are not acceptable, and this list will evolve over time.

REMINDER:

The descriptions that CBP expects from importers are incredibly important. Any mistakes in documentation, reporting, type of goods, etc., could result in delays, fines, and even seizures of the shipment.

We strongly recommend that you submit your customs documentation electronically via FedEx® Electronic Trade Documents to help reduce customs delays.