CBP's Updated "Vessel Mode" FAQ on the Inbound Advance Electronic Cargo Information Requirements
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has issued an updated version of its frequently asked questions (FAQ) and responses on its final rule requiring, among other things, the advance electronic presentation of information for inbound vessel cargo.
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This is Part II of a two-part series of summaries on this August 3, 2004 revised FAQ, and covers revised FAQ 11 (CBP Form (CF) 3171) and FAQ 14D (Updated Contact Information for Break Bulk Exemption Only).
(See ITT's 08/06/04 news, (Ref:04080605) for BP summary announcing the availability of CBP's updated versions of the "Vessel Mode" and "All Modes" FAQs on the advance electronic presentation of cargo information. See ITT's Online Archives or 08/10/04 news, 04081015, for Part I of BP's summary of the Vessel Mode FAQ. See future issues of ITT for summaries on the All Modes FAQ.)
FAQ 11- CF 3171
CBP has revised its answer to FAQ 11, regarding whether, with the implementation of the special bill types in Sea Automated Manifest System (AMS), carriers will still be responsible for placing the automated non-vessel operating common carriers (NVOCCs) Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC) on CF 3171.
In its amended answer, CBP explains that for vessels that arrive in the U.S., CBP only receives one CF 3171 per port that includes reporting all SCAC codes for that vessel. CBP states that the arriving vessel carrier is responsible for supplying this information to CBP, which will include the SCAC for all vessel carriers sharing or leasing space on board the vessel (such as under a vessel sharing or slot charter arrangement). The SCAC for NVOCCs are not required to be listed on the CF 3171 (Block 12). (CBP's had previously stated that an arriving vessel carrier was responsible for supplying the SCAC of automated NVOCCs.)
CBP continues to state that the arriving vessel carrier is responsible for supplying this information to CBP in the following time frames:
Type of Cargo | Qualifier | Time of Filing CF 3171 |
---|---|---|
Containerized | NONE | 48 hrs prior to arrival |
Break Bulk (non-exempt) | NONE | 48 hrs prior to arrival |
Bulk Cargo | Voyage more than 24 hrs | 24 hours prior to arrival |
Bulk Cargo | Voyage less than 24 hrs | Time of sailing |
Break Bulk Cargo (exempt) | Voyage more than 24 hrs | 24 hours prior to arrival |
Break Bulk Cargo (exempt) | Voyage less than 24 hrs | Time of sailing |
FAQ 14D - Updated Contact Information (Break Bulk Exemption Only)
CBP has revised the information contained in FAQ 14D to reflect changes to the phone and fax numbers to which correspondence regarding exemption amendments, questions, or concern must be sent. The new numbers are as follows:
Phone: (202) 344-2639
Fax: (202) 344-1435
CBP continues to state that the preferred email address for such correspondence, questions and concerns is 24hour.exemptions@dhs.gov.
CBP also states that all emails and phone calls should clearly reference "24 Hour Exemptions" and the CBP Exemption Application number, if assigned. The address to which written correspondence may be mailed continues to be:
Customs and Border Protection
Border Targeting and Analysis, Room 5.4-D
- 0 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20229
"Vessel Mode" FAQ (revised 08/03/04) available at