CSMS 65520566·Operational·July 2, 2025·View on csms.cbp.gov ↗

Update to Automated Export System (AES) Response Message 15A

Plain-English explanation

CSMS 65520566 is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Cargo Systems Messaging Service bulletin (operational), published on July 2, 2025. It carries the official CBP guidance brokers and importers must follow for the topic — "Update to Automated Export System (AES) Response Message 15A". 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 # 65520566 - Update to Automated Export System (AES) Response Message 15A U.S. Customs and Border Protection sent this bulletin at 07/02/2025 02:53 PM EDT Cargo Systems Messaging Service CSMS # 65520566 - Update to Automated Export System (AES) Response Message 15A This message is a follow-up to the broadcast released on May 11, 2022, titled Expansion of Foreign Trade Zone Identifier to 9-characters (Effective May 17, 2022). The severity of Response Message 15A is being upgraded from “Compliance” to a severity of “Fatal” July 14, 2025. This is to ensure further compliance with the changes outlined in Federal Register Notice 85 FR 60479 that requires the expansion of the Foreign Trade Zone Identifier from 7 to 9-characters. This change is effective immediately in CERT for testing. Response Code: 15A Narrative Text: FTZ MUST BE 9 CHARACTERS ALPHANUMERIC Severity: FATAL Reason: The Foreign Trade Zone Indicator reported on the SC2 record does not have the required format of 3 numeric characters which is a valid zone followed by 6 alphanumeric characters. Resolution: The Foreign Trade Zone Indicator must be specified in the required format. The first 3 positions must be numeric and represent the general purpose zone. The next 3 positions are alphanumeric and represent the subzone. The last 3 positions are alphanumeric and represent the site. The Foreign Trade Zone Indicator must be left justified with no trailing spaces. Insert zeros when there is no sub zone or site. Report leading zero(s) when the general purpose zone is less than 3 numerics, and when the subzone or site is 1 alphanumeric. Verify the Foreign Trade Zone Indicator, correct the SC2 record and retransmit. Contact your assigned CBP Client Representative for programming and testing questions. For general questions regarding AES, contact the U.S. Census Bureau's Trade Data Collection Branch at 1-800-549-0595 (option 1) or askaes@census.gov . Related message: CSMS # 64321322 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 65520566?

CSMS 65520566 is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Cargo Systems Messaging Service bulletin titled "Update to Automated Export System (AES) Response Message 15A". 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 65520566 published?

CBP published CSMS 65520566 on July 2, 2025. 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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