Published and effective June 12, 2018 the Air Cargo Advanced Screening program (ACAS) addresses “ongoing aviation security threats” by enhancing the security of the aircraft and passengers on U.S.-bound flights by enabling U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to perform targeted risk assessments on air cargo prior to the aircraft departure for the United States.
Likened to the Importer Security Filing (ISF) mandate for import ocean cargoes, the program will require specific shipment elements to be electronically filed prior to cargo loading. The interim ruling has a year-long implementation, during which CBP will show restraint in enforcing new requirements until the industry has had time to adjust and for companies making active effort to comply.
ACAS DATA ELEMENTS
- Air waybill number
- Shipper name and address
- Consignee name and address
- Cargo description
- Total quantity based on the smallest external packing unit
- Total weight of cargo
- Flight departure message
High-risk cargo may be issued an ACAS referral, which must be resolved before aircraft departure, or Do Not Load (DNL) instruction with action to local law enforcement.
ELIGIBLE FILERS
- Customs brokers
- Container freight stations
- Express consignment carrier facilities
- Air carriers
As always, Green Worldwide Shipping is actively working to coordinate the needs of its clients with respect to the Air Cargo Advance Screening rule. Stay up-to-date as we continue to monitor and report on this developing story by following us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
