CSMS 62081967·Operational·September 5, 2024·View on csms.cbp.gov ↗

ACAS Vague and Unacceptable Description Rejection

Plain-English explanation

CSMS 62081967 is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Cargo Systems Messaging Service bulletin (operational), published on September 5, 2024. It carries the official CBP guidance brokers and importers must follow for the topic — "ACAS Vague and Unacceptable Description Rejection". 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 # 62081967 - ACAS Vague and Unacceptable Description Rejection U.S. Customs and Border Protection sent this bulletin at 09/05/2024 03:21 PM EDT Cargo Systems Messaging Service CSMS # 62081967 - ACAS Vague and Unacceptable Description Rejection On 09/04/2024, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has implemented nationwide rejection of vague descriptions in Air Cargo Advance Screening (ACAS). Prior to issuing rejections, CBP will implement a 30-day warning period, which will end on October 06, 2024 . Rejections will be effective on October 07, 2024 . 19 CFR § 122.48b(d) uses the same definitions for data elements outlined in 19 CFR § 122.48a, requiring a “ precise cargo description or the 6-digit Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) ”. CBP is aiming to address vague cargo descriptions including, but not limited to, “gift”, “daily necessities”, “accessories”, “parts” and “consolidated”. “Consolidated” is only acceptable at the master bill level. Carriers and other parties electing to file ACAS data to CBP are required to provide a precise description of the cargo. ACAS filers are expected to process these warning and rejection notifications and work to correct the issue with the shipper and bill of lading issuer for compliance on that shipment. Warning Notification The warning message will be emailed to the listed ACAS 24x7 point of contact. These warnings will be sent daily with a summary of each vague description, from the previous day. Sample Warning Email Subject: ACAS Invalid Cargo Description Report Attachment: acas_vague_cargo_description.[transmitter code].txt Email Body: Over the past 24 hours cargo descriptions were included in ACAS filings and determined to be invalid due to being vague. Please see the attachment for bill counts and sample AWBs. The filing was processed normally during the warning period, which ends in 30 days on 10/03/2024 After the warning period, filings with vague cargo descriptions will be rejected. Rejection Notification After the warning period, submissions with vague descriptions will be rejected with error code MISSING_CARGO_DESC, which applies when the cargo description is missing or invalid. Rejection Message CBP sends all ACAS rejections on a PER message. Example: PER 074-54400194-SIN0151749 ERR/400 MISSING_CARGO_DESC ACAS filers, whether air carriers or parties electing to file, are expected to screen data for compliance with cargo declaration regulations. Corrective action is expected immediately. If CBP identifies any enforcement concerns, CBP may take additional actions. A non-exhaustive list of unacceptable cargo descriptions can be found on the CBP website at: https://www.cbp.gov/document/fact-sheets/unacceptable-vs-acceptable-cargo-descriptions . This list is not a specific itemized list, will continue to evolve, and contains some generic examples which will require programming (e.g. cannot be only numerical values or special characters, must be in English, cannot be a brand name only, etc.). A warning or rejection notification may be sent for a vague description that is not specified on the list . When this occurs, the filer is expected to update that specific filing and then update their software for future filings. For general questions, or concerns about specific vague description cargo messages, please email OFO-ManifestBranch@cbp.dhs.gov . Related message: CSMS # 60144714 and CSMS # 60011750 These changes have been deployed to the Production (PROD) environment. Stakeholders can test in their respective Certification (CERT) environment in accordance with existing procedures. For questions about implementation of these changes, please contact ntcacasonboarding@cbp.dhs.gov . For technical questions, please contact your assigned Client Representative. 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 62081967?

CSMS 62081967 is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Cargo Systems Messaging Service bulletin titled "ACAS Vague and Unacceptable Description Rejection". 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 62081967 published?

CBP published CSMS 62081967 on September 5, 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.

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