CSMS 62263081·Operational·September 16, 2024·View on csms.cbp.gov ↗

Updated List of Vague Merchandise Descriptions

Plain-English explanation

CSMS 62263081 is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Cargo Systems Messaging Service bulletin (operational), published on September 16, 2024. It carries the official CBP guidance brokers and importers must follow for the topic — "Updated List of Vague Merchandise Descriptions". 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 # 62263081 - Updated List of Vague Merchandise Descriptions U.S. Customs and Border Protection sent this bulletin at 09/16/2024 10:28 AM EDT Cargo Systems Messaging Service CSMS # 62263081 - Updated List of Vague Merchandise Descriptions This is an update to CSMS #60144714 , published on April 11, 2024. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) implemented nationwide cargo messaging to communicate with the entry filer on shipments that have vague noncompliant cargo descriptions. An initial list of unacceptable cargo descriptions was posted to the CBP website. The list has since been updated to include additional cargo descriptions. The updated list can be found on the CBP website at https://www.cbp.gov/trade/basic-import-export/e-commerce/examples-unacceptable-vs-acceptable-cargo-descriptions . For questions regarding the list, please email OFO-ManifestBranch@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 62263081?

CSMS 62263081 is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Cargo Systems Messaging Service bulletin titled "Updated List of Vague Merchandise Descriptions". 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 62263081 published?

CBP published CSMS 62263081 on September 16, 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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