CSMS 61339949·Operational·July 11, 2024·View on csms.cbp.gov ↗

Announcement of Invalid Consignee Name Cargo Messaging

Plain-English explanation

CSMS 61339949 is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Cargo Systems Messaging Service bulletin (operational), published on July 11, 2024. It carries the official CBP guidance brokers and importers must follow for the topic — "Announcement of Invalid Consignee Name Cargo Messaging". CSMS messages are the operational layer between Commerce determinations and at-the-border collections: when Commerce publishes a new rate, scope ruling, or instruction, CBP turns it into a CSMS that ACE/ACS systems and brokers act on.

Message body

Full text as published by U.S. Customs and Border Protection

CSMS # 61339949 - Announcement of Invalid Consignee Name Cargo Messaging U.S. Customs and Border Protection sent this bulletin at 07/11/2024 09:31 AM EDT Cargo Systems Messaging Service CSMS # 61339949 - Announcement of Invalid Consignee Name Cargo Messaging On July 15, 2024, CBP will nationally implement cargo messaging to communicate with the entry filer on shipments that have invalid consignee names. 19 CFR § 4.7a, 122.48a, 123.91, 123.92 and 128.21 require the valid name of the consignee. CBP is aiming to address invalid consignee names such as, but not limited to, “Unknown”, “Someone”, “Anyone”, “Blank”, “Don’t Know”, “Not Sure” and fictitious cartoon and superhero names or similar. This messaging will be sent in the SO20 record (position 8-57) with a Reference Identifier Qualifier "CMT" within the ACE Cargo Release Status Notification message . In most cases, messages will be sent via ACE Cargo Release after release of the cargo. Brokers and importers are expected to process these messages and work to correct the issue with the shipper and bill of lading issuer for compliance on future shipments. Below is an example of a cargo message transmitted with an invalid consignee name: Consignee name “Unknown” is unacceptable . A valid name is required . Brokers and Freight Forwarders who self-file House Bills are held to the same standard as carriers and are expected to screen data for compliance with cargo declaration regulations. When the entry filer and bill of lading filer are the same, corrective action is expected immediately. If CBP identifies any enforcement concerns, CBP may take additional actions. Entry filers who do not file the bill data should also be advised that a valid consignee name is required as part of the Entry Type 86 Test 84 FR 40079 . CBP encourages the entry filer to communicate the issue to the bill of lading filer but is not required to do so. For general questions, or concerns about specific vague description cargo messages, please email ecommerce@cbp.dhs.gov . Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page . You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please contact subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com . This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Customs and Border Protection . Privacy Policy | GovDelivery is providing this information on behalf of U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and may not use the information for any other purposes. Powered by Privacy Policy | Cookie Statement | Help

Frequently asked questions

What is CSMS 61339949?

CSMS 61339949 is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Cargo Systems Messaging Service bulletin titled "Announcement of Invalid Consignee Name Cargo Messaging". CSMS bulletins are the operational instructions CBP issues to brokers, importers, and ACE filers covering rate changes, system updates, scope guidance, and other day-to-day customs-operations changes.

When was CSMS 61339949 published?

CBP published CSMS 61339949 on July 11, 2024. The bulletin's instructions are typically operative as of the publication date unless the body specifies a different effective date.

Is the CBP CSMS the legally binding instruction?

Yes — for at-the-border filing and entry collection. CSMS messages translate Commerce's Federal Register determinations into operational CBP instructions that ACE/ACS systems and brokers execute. The Federal Register notice is the underlying legal authority; the CSMS is the operational implementation. Both should be read together when reconciling a rate or scope change.

Learn more

Tandom guides relevant to CBP CSMS messages

Subscribe to and triage CBP CSMS messages

How to subscribe to CBP Cargo Systems Messaging Service and triage the messages that change broker filing behavior, without losing the ones that matter.

Open resource

Real-time alerts when a CSMS message changes a duty rate

Set up alerts when a CBP CSMS message changes a duty rate on an HTS code you depend on. Built for brokers, forwarders, and importer compliance teams.