More Info . . .

Government Agencies

 

 

 


Contacts

Field Operations (Baltimore, MD)
410-962-6200

Philadelphia Pennsylvania Office
215-717-5901

Wilmington Delaware Office
302-326-0600

Agriculture
251-717-5880

Fines, Penalties and Forfeitures
215-597-5956

Immigration
215-594-4141

Entry Division
215-717-5992

Philadelphia International Airport
215-863-4200

 

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is a federal law enforcement agency of the United States Department of Homeland Security charged with regulating and facilitating international trade, collecting import duties, and enforcing hundreds of U.S. regulations, including trade, drug and immigration laws.

News / Updates

  • 02/02/12 Guidance on Recent Manual Postings for Ocean Manifests
  • 01/27/12 Electronic Ocean and Rail Manifest Message Backlog
  • 01/26/12 Philadelphia Port of Entry Centralized Examination Station (CES) Announcement and Selection Process
  • 01/13/12 ACE Portal Slow Responses
  • 11/09/11 CBP/USDA Regulated Garbage Compliance Agreement Information
  • 10/28/11 CBP Pipeline 2012-004 Vessel/Crew Notifications to CBP
    • CBP Form 3171' s must be submitted to Vessel Central at least 72 hours prior to the vessel's arrival. All electronic submissions of CBP Form 3171 must contain the signature and date of the party submitting the request.
    • Vessel notices of arrival must be received 48 hours prior to the vessel's arrival from a foreign port, and 24 hours prior to the vessel's arrival from a domestic port.
    • CBP Form 408's must be submitted to Vessel Central for review and approval 48 hours prior to the vessel's arrival.
    • Pipeline 2012-004
  • 10/24/11 Philadelphia Agriculture Combined Resolution Unit Contact Information
  • 09/27/11 Philadelphia CBP ATU and Vessel Central Transition to New Phone System on September 28th at Approximately 1700 Hours
  • 08/12/11 ACE Rail & Sea Manifest (M1) Overview & Functionality Highlights
  • 07/05/11 Vessel Entrance or Clearance Statement Form 1300 Information Collection
  • 06/24/11 Post-Summary Corrections to EntrySummaries Filed in ACE Pursuant to
    the ESAR IV Test
  • 03/22/11 USCG and CBP Joint Guidance for Vessels Entering the US From Japan
  • 10/20/10 Automated Commercial Environment (ACE): Announcement of a National Customs Automation Program Test of Automated Manifest Capabilities for Ocean and Rail Carriers
  • 09/28/10 CBP Agency Information Collection Activities: Arrival and Departure Record (Forms I-94 and I-94W) and Electronic System for Travel Authorization
  • 07/13/10 CBP PowerPoint Presentation: Getting Ready for M1 (Multi-Modal Manifest)
  • 07/09/10 Importer Security Filing “10+2” Program Revised FAQ
  • 05/05/10 Instruments of International Traffic Carrying Residue
  • 04/21/10 CBP Importer Security Filing (ISF) and Additional Carrier Requirement Outreach Webinars
  • 02/22/10 Mitigation of Carrier Fines for Transporting Aliens without Proper Documents; Modification of Memorandum of Understanding and Recalculation of Performance Levels To Measure Carrier Performance
  • 01/28/10 CBP Form 3171 Requirements for Application-Permit-Special License-Unlading-Lading-Overtime Services
  • 01/05/10 CBP Continuous Bonds Filing at the Revenue Division
  • 12/09 Vessel Inspection Guide: Procedures, Regulations and Documentation for the Processing of Crew and Passengers Arriving in the US
  • 12/09 GAO Study Summary on Requirement to Scan 100 Percent of US Bound Containers
  • 12/30/09 Remote Location Filing
  • 12/24/09 Importer Security Filing and Additional Carrier Requirements; Correction and Bond Clarification
  • 12/04/09 CBP Requirement for Persons Making Payment by Check to CBP to Provide Their Taxpayer Identifying Number
  • 11/12/09 Noxious Weed Seeds Requirements for Approval of Manipulation of Shipment Housed by Container
  • 10/23/09 Passenger List/Crew List (Form I-418) - Agency Information Collection Activities: 60-Day Notice and Request for Comments
  • 10/14/09 Technical Correction To Remove Obsolete Compliance Date
    Provisions From Electronic Cargo Information Regulations
  • 08/13/09 CBP Correction of Effective Date for Notice that Residual Chemicals Within Empty Containers Must Be Manifested, Entered and Classified Effective 09/16/09
  • 07/28/09 CBP Importer Security Filing and Additional Carrier Requirements (“10+2”) Presentation and Discussion on Wednesday, August 19, 2009 at the PA Convention Center
  • 07/17/09 CBP Notice that Residual Chemicals Within Empty Containers Must Be Manifested, Entered and Classified Effective 08/16/09
  • 07/17/09 Guidelines for the Assessment and Cancellation of Claims for Liquidated Damages for Failure to Comply with the Vessel Stow Plan, Container Status Message, and Importer Security Filing Requirements
    • The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued guidelines for the assessment and cancellation of claims for liquidated damages for failure to comply with the vessel stow plan, container status message, and importer security filing requirements. The advance trade data regulations (commonly referred to as the “10+2” rule) requires importers to file ten data elements with CBP and requires carriers to file two data elements with CBP. These new guidelines, which come into effect immediately, provide for the assessment and (possible) cancellation of damages by CBP against importers and carriers for failure to provide the required advance electronic information to CBP within the time period and manner prescribed by the regulations or for providing inaccurate or invalid information.
    • Notice
  • 07/14/09 Importer Security Filing and Additional Carrier Requirements Corrections to Final Rule
  • 06/05/09 CBP FAQ: Filing of Electronic Export Information via AES
  • 03/05/09 Importer Security Filing 10+2 TRACS Development Letter to Local CBP
  • 01/23/09 Importer Security Filing 10+2 Program FAQ
  • 01/12/09 CBP Quarterly IRS Interest Rates Used in Calculating Interest on Overdue Accounts and Refunds on Customs Duties
  • 01/07/09 CBP Importer Security Filing & Additional Carrier Requirements (10+2) Presentation
  • 01/02/09 CBP Automated Export System (AES) Penalty Guidelines Effective 02/01/09
  • 11/25/08 Importer Security Filing and Carrier Requirements (10+2)
  • 11/03/08 CBP Trade Strategy for Fiscal Years 2009 - 2013
  • 10/30/08 Technical Corrections to the Rules of Origin to Reflect Changes to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule
  • 10/30/08 Extension of Comment Period for Rules to Determine Country of Origin for Imported Merchandise
  • 10/15/08 Office of Field Operations Letter of Guidance for Crew Manifests
  • 10/01/08 APHIS User Fee Increase Effective 10/01/08
  • 09/22/08 CBP Service Port Pipeline:Reminder to Report Any Evidence of Stowaway Activities
  • 09/16/08 Transmission of Personally-Identifiable Information (PII) in Ocean Manifest
  • 09/09/08 Extension of Comment Period for Vessel Entrance or Clearance Information Collection
  • 09/09/08 Extension of Comment Period for Crew Effects Declaration Information Collection
  • 09/08/08 Extension of Comment Period for Rules to Determine Country of Origin for Imported Merchandise
  • 08/25/08 First Sale Declaration Requirements
  • 08/25/08 Entry Requirements for Certain Softwood Lumber Products
  • 08/07/08 All Maritime Containers in Transit to the United States are Required to be Sealed with an ISO/PAS 17712 Standard Seal Effective October 15, 2008
  • 07/24/08 CBP Delays ACE (M1) for Sea Manifests for 6-8 Months 06/02/08 CBP DRAFT Importer Security Filing Transaction Sets
  • 03/11/08 CBP Service Port Pipeline 2008-11: Effective March 24, 2008, the Port of Philadelphia Will Be Implementing a Paper Check Scanning Process for Electronic Deposit
  • 01/24/08 The Departmental Advisory Committee on Commercial Operations of Customs and Border Protection and Related Homeland Security Functions (COAC)
    • COAC sponsored by the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), will meet in Tucson, Arizona on February 13. Topics on the agenda include the Secure Freight Initiative and the Advance Trade Data (10+2) program.
    • Federal Register Notice
  • CBP Advance Data Elements (10+2)

SAFE Port Act Section 203(b) Requirement - The Secretary, acting through the Commissioner, shall require the electronic transmission to the Department of additional data elements for improved high-risk targeting, including appropriate elements of entry data...to be provided as advanced information with respect to cargo destined for importation into the United States prior to loading of such cargo on vessels at foreign ports.

**Disclaimer: The White Paper is issued by CBP, and is planned to be posted to the CBP.gov website. The document itself does not represent official CBP policy.**

Effective Friday March 9, U.S. Customs and Border Protection may issue claims for liquidated damages and/or penalties against importers, carriers or bonded custodians for importing wood packaging material (WPM) in violation of the regulations.

The WPM regulations have been in full enforcement since July 5, 2006 and was implemented in a three-phase approach to ensure that the trade is fully informed. The regulations require all WPM entering or transiting through the United States to be properly marked to indicate that it has been either heat treated or treated with methyl bromide in accordance with the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures: Guidelines for Regulating Wood Packaging Material in International Trade (ISPM 15), and be free of timber pests.

  • 02/07/07 CBP Penalty Case against Houston Agent for Failure to Provide a Complete List of Alien Crew upon Departure
    • CBP issued penalties against the agent of the first port of call for not providing the departure crew information from the last port of call. The agent won the case and gave permission to share the case file with other agents who might face the same problem.
    • Complete Case File
  • 01/26/07 CBP issued a Final Rule amending its regulations by revising fees charged for certain customs inspectional services.  The changes are effective on April 1, 2007.
  • CBP Federal Register Notice: Required Advance Electronic Presentation of Cargo Information for Truck Carriers:

    10/27/06 Letter from CBP Cargo Systems Program Office, Office of Information Technology in conjunction with the Federal Register Notice described below

    10/27/06 CBP Federal Register Notice: Required Advance Electronic Presentation of Cargo Information for Truck Carriers

    • Pursuant to section 343(a) of the Trade Act of 2002 and implementing regulations published in December, 2003, truck carriers and other eligible parties were directed to transmit advance electronic truck cargo information to the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) through a CBP-approved electronic data interchange (EDI). This notice announces that CBP is designating the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Truck Manifest System as the approved EDI for the transmission of the required data and that the requirement that advance electronic truck cargo information be transmitted through ACE will be phased in by groups of ports of entry identified in this document.
    • Full Notice
  • 12/06/06 New Guidelines for Mitigation of Penalties for Merchandise Delivered From the Port without CBP Authorization or Examination (GATEOUT)
    • CBP issued a General Notice providing new guidelines for mitigation of penalties for merchandise delivered from the port without US CBP authorization or examination, or both, which affects public safety. CBP is providing new guidelines because of the concern that removal or delivery of merchandise without authorization or examination places an unacceptable risk upon the security, health, or safety of the populace. This action is effective on December 6, 2006, and shall be applicable to all penalty cases assessed on or after that date.
    • Full Notice
  • 12/20/06 Philadelphia Service Port Pipeline 2007-07 Requirement to Post Marine Terminal Operator Bond for Handling International Container Shipments
    • Philadelphia CBP issued Service Port Pipeline 2007-07 today regarding the CBP Bulletin below. The minimum bond amount is $100,000 and the maximum is $500,000. The amount of the bond will be set by the port director in the letter sent to the terminal operators demanding a bond. Marine terminal operators who have not obtained either an international carrier bond or a terminal operator bond within 30 days of the publication of the special instruction will not be permitted to handle international container shipments. Although CBP Area Port management intends to conduct meetings with effected parties, Marine Terminal Executive staff are encouraged to contact either Port Director William Brush at 215-717-5900 or Assistant Port Director Allan J. Martocci at 215-717-5845 as soon as possible concerning this issue.
    • Full Pipeline
  • 12/20/06 CBP Terminal Operator Bond Requirement
    • CBP issued a Bulletin on December 20, 2006 which requires marine terminal operators to take out a Terminal Operator Bond to provide guarantees of payment in the event that terminal operators incur civil monetary penalties for allowing containers or cargo to be delivered from their terminals without authorization from CBP. Terminal operators that are also international carriers and are holders of international carrier bonds will not be required to take on an additional bond. In lieu of execution of the Terminal Operator Bond, marine terminal operators may take out an International Carrier Bond on a CF-301. Those operators who handle bulk merchandise exclusively are exempt from this requirement. The requirement is effective January 20,2007.
    • Full Bulletin
  • 10/27/06 CBP Service Port Pipeline 2007-02: Transfer of A-TCET Examiniations to the Container Examination Station
    • The purpose of this Pipeline is to provide information concerning operational procedures and guidelines relating to ocean cargo selected for physical examination by the Anti-Terrorism Contraband Enforcement Team (ATCET) at the Port of Philadelphia.
    • Full Pipeline
  • 10/02/06 SERVICE PIPIELINE 2007-01: VESSEL AMS – “GATEOUTS”
    • In furtherance of recent discussions with the trade community concerning instances of “gateouts”, where containers targeted and held for inspection by CBP are released without authorization from CBP and thus not examined, U.S. Customs and Border Protection wishes to remind interested parties that as part of CBP’s risk assessment process, manifest and entry information may be reviewed several times as the shipment travels through the supply chain. Based upon these reviews, a shipment may be placed on hold at any time, even after arrival of the vessel. It is important to note that all holds must be removed before the cargo is allowed to enter the commerce. To ensure that the trade community is aware of all cargo authorization messages, holds, and releases, one electronic method of communication is provided – Vessel Automated Manifest System (AMS).

      The Trade Act of 2002 Final Rule identified the Vessel Automated Manifest System (AMS) as the system of record for electronic submission of manifest data to CBP. As such, absent extraordinary circumstances, AMS will be the primary mechanism used to provide CBP manifest hold and release information to the carriers and other interested parties such as terminal operators. AMS participants receive immediate notification of all messages, holds, and releases. As the system of record, all messaging to and from the carriers is transmitted electronically via Vessel AMS. Accordingly, it is strongly encouraged that all terminal operators become AMS participants.

    • Full Notice (PDF)
  • 05/19/06 Vessel APIS Guide: CBP System Identified Errors and Manifest Sufficiency Rates
    • The Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) Final Rule (AFR), published on April 7, 2005, requires APIS manifests to be submitted through the United States Coast Guard (USCG) & Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Electronic Notice of Arrival/Departure (eNOA/D) web portal (www.nvmc.usgc.gov) for all commercial vessels arriving from or departing for a foreign port or place. Compliant eNOA/D submissions through this portal work to fulfill both USCG (Notice Of Arrival) and CBP (APIS) reporting requirements.

      eNOA/D submissions continue through the eNOA/D web portal onto CBP as an APIS manifest. APIS manifests include traveler data for persons aboard vessels; connecting crossing data to specific persons on specific vessels, traveling on specific voyages.
    • Download Guide Version 1.0 (May 2006)
    • Revised Guide Version 2.0 (February 2007)
  • 04/24/06 Update on Wood Packaging Material (WPM) Enforcement
    • Under the International Standards of Phytosanitary Measures Rule 15 (ISPM 15), full enforcement for all WPM, including dunnage being imported into the United States, is set to begin on July 5, 2006. Enforcement for pallets and crates began on February 1, 2006. SALA recently submitted ISPM 15 enforcement questions to both Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and USDA/APHIS national contacts. Those questions and the initial reply are attached. In an attempt to get clarification, SALA recently chaired a National Association of Maritime Organizations (NAMO) sponsored conference call with the involved government agencies. The minutes from that meeting are also attached for your reference. This conference call helped establish several improvements that will serve to help shippers and CBP with enforcement. Based on these questions and several comments submitted by SALA, the FAQ made available through CBP’s website has been updated. To view the FAQ, please click here. SALA’s main concerns involve mold growth on heat-treated WPM, marks smeared due to handling and exposure to moisture, the difficulty in associating WPM on the dock with the country of origin of the cargo, and a conflict between the old APHIS practices for discharging dunnage and the ISPM 15 standards.
    • Full Update Notice
    • CBP/USDA Response to WPM Questions
    • 04-13-06 Minutes from the NAMO WPM Conference Call
    • Suggestions to NPPO for IPPC Consideration
  • 03/03/06 CESAC (Customs Electronic Systems Action Committee) Meeting Minutes - February 2006
  • 02/23/06 CBP Service Port Pipeline #2006-07: International Carrier Bond Requirement (APIS) - Vessels
    • On June 6,2005, the Advanced Passenger Information System (APIS) Final Rule became effective (19CFR 4.7b and 4.64). Pursuant to these regulations, a commercial carrier arriving into or departing from the United States is required to electronically transmit a APIS manifest to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) through an approved electronic interchange and programming format.

      All international commercial carriers transporting passengers and /or crewmembers must obtain an international carrier bond and place it on file with CBP prior to entry or departure from the United States. The minimum bond amount is $50,000.

      Effective immediately the Vessel agent may indicate the operator responsible for transmitting APIS by providing the following statement on the bottom of the CBP Form 3171: FOR APIS COMPLIANCE (NAME) (Bond Number).

    • Download Full Notice as PDF

  • 02/13/06 Truck User Fee Program Instructions
  • 01/30/06 CBP Service Port Pipeline #2006-06: Formal Entrance and Clearance Processing- Port of Philadelphia & CBP Form 3171 Processing for the Consolidated Port
    • Effective February 1, 2006, Tactical Operations personnel will be responsible for all formal entrances and clearances of vessels within the Port of Philadelphia. Trade Operations personnel will no longer be responsible for any such duties. Vessel Central will determine, on a case-by-case basis, the specific location where the activity will be performed. This may occur on board the vessel, or at any designated CBP office location within the port, including the Customhouse.

      Also, effective February 6, 2006, all activities related to the processing of CBP Form 3171 (Application - Permit – License – Unlading – Lading – Overtime Services) for the Ports of Philadelphia, PA and Wilmington, DE will be performed by personnel assigned to the Vessel Central Unit at the Philadelphia Customhouse. This will include all reviews and approvals, as well as any follow-up and/or penalty actions related to these submissions. Vessel agents will submit these forms directly to Vessel Central.

      Port of Wilmington personnel may continue to require copies of the original CBP 3171 for informational purposes. However, all actions associated with the CBP 3171 will be performed by Vessel Central.

      If there are any questions concerning this pipeline, please contact Supervisory Customs and Border Protection Officer Robert Jordan at 215-597-3939.

    • Download as PDF

  • 01/24/06 CESAC (Customs Electronic Systems Action Committee) Meeting Minutes - November 2005
  • 01/24/06 Trade Support Network – Multi-Modal Manifest (TSN-MMM) Committee Meeting Minutes - November 2005
  • 11/03/05 Summary Discussion Between National Association of Maritime Organizations (NAMO) and CBP Regarding Enforcement of the USDA Rule for Wood Packing Material
  • 10/05/05 CBP Enforcement of Rule on Wood Packing Materials
  • 10/04/05 Phase One and Phase Two of a compliance action plan for electronic transmission of the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) manifest using the eNOA/D internet portal
    • Letter from Customs Border and Protection to the National Association of Maritime Organizations which outlines Phase One and Phase Two of a compliance action plan for electronic transmission of the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) manifest using the eNOA/D internet portal. The letter outlines the new phased penalties actions regarding electronic submissions of the NOA/D. Phase One begins October 4 and Phase Two begins on October 31, 2005.
    • Download as PDF  
  • 09/30/05 Service Port Pipeline 2005-07: APHIS User Fee
    • Effective Saturday October 1, 2005 the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) user fee has been raised to $488.00 for Commercial Vessels. The APHIS user for FY 2005 was $ 486.00 for Commercial Vessels.  Information pertaining to the increases in the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service user fee was published in the Federal Register/ Vol. 69, No. 236, dated December 9, 2004, Part V Department of Agriculture.  
    • If you have any questions please contact SCBPO Robert Jordan at 215-597-3939
    • Download as PDF
  • 08/26/05 CBP Announces that eNOA/D Informed Compliance Period Will End October 3, 2005
  • 04/07/05 CBP Final Rule: Electronic Transmission of Passenger and Crew Manifests for Vessels and Aircraft
  • 03/02/05 CBP Issues DRAFT Strategic Plan 2005-2010 - Securing the Frontline
  • 02/04/05 CBP Pipeline 2005-04: Vessel Central for Port of Wilmington Arrivals
  • 12/15/04 Further Information Regarding Enforcement Guidelines for the Implementation of the Trade Act of 2002 Truck Requirements
    • Enforcement guidelines for the implementation of the Trade Act of 2002 Truck Requirements were issued on November 2, 2004 to provide a plan for enforcement of the advanced electronic information requirements. This is to provide further guidance and supercede the published enforcement policy as described in Part 2 (Penalties) for Phase 1 (In-bond) and 2 (PAPS) and all groups (See Attachment 1).
    • The description for Part 2 and Phase 1 can be found under the truck FAQ’s on the CBP website at http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/import/communications_to_industry/advance_info/.
    • Download Full Notice (PDF)
  • 12/07/04 Know Before You Go Camapaign
    • U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced the Know Before You Go awareness program for international travelers this holiday season.  During the holiday's, its estimated that CBP will process over 100 million travelers at our land, air and sea ports of entry.  With CBP's priority anti-terror mission, it's important that travelers are informed and prepared when they arrive at our international boundary so that our CBP Officers can process legitimate travelers quickly and focus their attention on terrorists and other criminals.
    • To aid your respective management in spreading the word, the Office of Public Affairs with assistance from the Office of Field Operations has updated and improved the travel section of the CBP website.  The website has the latest in rules and regs that the international traveler needs to know as well as tips to keep travelers from making honest mistakes.  In addition, Public Affairs has updated our Know Before You Go press releases for external use to the media, associations and other trade and travel industry stakeholders
    • Top 10 Travel Tips
    • Holiday Travel Tips for Visitors
    • Holiday Travel Tips for Residents
  • 12/03/03 Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002 (BTA)
    • Interim Guidance on Customs and Border Protection Procedures regarding the BTA 2002 which goes into effect 12/12/03
    • PDF
  • 24 Hour Rule
    • 05/12/11 Corrections to 24-Hour Advance Vessel Manifest Rule (Final Rule)
    • 12/05/03 24-Hour Advance Vessel Manifest Rule (Final Rule)
    • 4/16/04  Frequently Asked Questions - 24-Hour Advance Vessel Manifest Rule (PDF)
    • 04/22/03  USCS Service Pipeline - Addendum To Pipeline Regarding 24 Hour Rule
    • This pipeline provides direction to the trade community concerning the second phase of the implementation of the enforced compliance strategy under the so called "24-Hour Rule", which went into effect on December 2, 2002. (PDF)
  • Joint Industry Group Recommendations to the Treasury Advisory Committee on Commercial Operations of the U.S. Customs Service (COAC)
  • Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT)
    • C-TPAT Home Page
      • C-TPAT for Importers
      • C-TPAT for Licensed Brokers
      • C-TPAT for Air Carriers
      • C-TPAT for Sea Carriers
      • C-TPAT for Rail Carriers
      • C-TPAT for Air Freight Consolidators/Ocean Transportation Intermediaries, and NVOCCs
      • C-TPAT for U.S. Marine Port Authority/Terminal Operators
      • C-TPAT Fact Sheet and Frequently Asked Questions
      • FAST Application Information
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