Customs enforcement has intensified significantly, particularly with air shipments. Please see the below guidelines outlining the Air Cargo Advance Screening (ACAS) program and key compliance requirements.

As the Importer of Record, it is critical that you ensure your shippers are fully compliant with ACAS regulations. We have observed a notable increase in shipment holds over the past several weeks due to missing or inaccurate data, resulting in delays, penalties, and substantial storage fees. Please note that airfreight storage costs escalate rapidly and can lead to thousands of dollars in charges.

Shapiro is proactively auditing documentation to mitigate these risks, and our partners are working diligently to guide shippers. However, ultimate responsibility lies with the importer to confirm that all parties involved—particularly shippers and manufacturers—are aware of and adhering to ACAS requirements.

This program has been mandatory since June 12, 2018, and enforcement has become more rigorous under the current administration. Customs has now implemented enhanced software tools to audit compliance and hold all stakeholders accountable.

Demurrage costs incurred because of shippers’ lack of compliance with the ACAS regulations will be at the importer’s expense. Please review the below carefully and reach out with any questions or concerns.

The Air Cargo Advance Screening (ACAS) program is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) joint initiative designed to enhance air cargo security, streamline data requirements, and facilitate trade.

The Program and Process Details

  • The purpose of the program is to identify high-risk air cargo before it is loaded onto aircraft bound for the United States. This is part of the broader U.S. “layered security” approach, ensuring screening occurs at the earliest possible point in the supply chain.
  • The program affects all air carriers and freight forwarders (indirect air carriers) that tender cargo destined for or transiting through the U.S. by air.
  • The program has been mandatory since June 12, 2018, and is being enforced as of August 2025.
  • Filers must submit that subset of Electronic Air Waybill (eAWB) data:…Forwarders or carriers transmit required shipment data to CBP via EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) or CBP’s Automated Commercial Environment (ACE).
  • The information must be sent prior to loading the cargo onto the aircraft at the last foreign point of departure.

The Filings

  • The data elements include:
    • Shipper and Consignee Information: Name and address (including postal codes, country, and city/province) for both the shipper and consignee.
    • Cargo Description: A clear, concise, and precise description of the goods, avoiding vague or generic terms that don’t allow CBP to identify the commodity’s characteristics.
    • Cargo Quantity: The total quantity of packages (no pallets!) based on the smallest external packing unit.
    • Total Weight: The total weight of the cargo, expressed in kilograms or pounds.
    • Airport of Origin and Arrival: The origin and destination airports.
    • Master Air Waybill (MAWB) and House Air Waybill (HAWB) Numbers: The relevant MAWB and HAWB numbers for the shipment.
  • Submissions must be timely.
    • ACAS data must be transmitted electronically through a CBP-approved system as early as practicable, but no later than prior to loading the cargo onto the aircraft.
    • Prompt submission is crucial as it allows CBP ample time to screen and provide approval or “Do Not Load” determinations to stakeholders, minimizing operational delays.
  • Information must be clear and accurate:
    • Vague merchandise descriptions are unacceptable and can lead to rejected ACAS filings.
    • Only include information relevant to the commodity description; avoid extraneous details like personal information, packaging type, or carrier disclaimers.
  • CBP reviews the ACAS data in near real-time. The data is compared against intelligence and risk indicators.
  • CBP can send back several possible responses after review:
    • Do Not Load (DNL): Cargo cannot be placed on the aircraft.
    • Hold for Screening: Cargo must undergo additional screening.
    • Request for Information (RFI): More detail required (e.g., vague cargo description).
    • Status Accepted: Cargo cleared to load (assuming no other security concerns).
  • If additional screening is required, it must be conducted in accordance with TSA-approved security procedures.
  • Documentation must be retained to show compliance.
  • Non-compliance can result in shipment delays, penalties, and increased CBP scrutiny. Failure to adhere to ACAS requirements can also result in significant penalties and fines for both individuals and businesses involved.
  • While air carriers are typically the primary ACAS filers, other approved parties, including freight forwarders, may also be required to submit information.
  • For consolidated shipments: the incoming air carrier must transmit MAWB information, and either the carrier or another approved party must transmit HAWB details.

In essence, ACAS emphasizes providing detailed, accurate, and timely electronic information about air cargo shipments to enhance security and streamline clearance processes. Parties involved in shipping air cargo to the U.S. should ensure they are familiar with and adhere to the latest ACAS requirements as outlined in official CBP publications and guidance.