New US Customs Cargo Description Rules in Effect November 12

On 4 September 2024, US Customs & Border Protection (CBP) announced that vague descriptions of goods in Air Cargo Advanced Screening (ACAS) will be rejected. A precise and specific description of the merchandise is now mandatory for shipments to the US or transiting via the US. 

These updates mandate that all cargo descriptions be precise and specific, aiming to enhance risk assessments in the Air Cargo Advanced Screening (ACAS) process. Vague descriptions such as "gift," "accessories," or "pharmaceuticals" will no longer be acceptable. Failure to comply may result in delayed shipments at the point of origin, creating potential disruptions during the busy holiday season.

CBP will begin rejecting any US import shipment data containing vague descriptions effective November 12, 2024. This rejection will make it impermissible to move shipments into the US until complete data is submitted.

The key to compliance lies in using clear, detailed descriptions. The best descriptions use the 3 W’s, supported by additional details: 

• What is it?
• What is it made from?
• What is it used for?
• Additional things relevant to the item. For example, gender for clothing, size for water bottle, etc.

Here’s a quick comparison:  

See more examples of acceptable vs unacceptable cargo descriptions on the US CBP website. 

1. Be Specific About Product Type and Material

Provide clear and detailed descriptions of your items. For example, instead of simply writing "Jewelry," specify "Sterling silver necklace" or "Gold-plated hoop earrings."

2. Avoid Generic Terms

Replace vague categories like "Electronics" or "Clothing" with precise details. For instance, describe your item as "Bluetooth wireless earbuds" or "Men’s cotton t-shirt."

3. Include Purpose or Key Features

Highlight the product's function or notable characteristics when relevant. Examples include "Cordless power drill" or "Wireless computer keyboard." This helps ensure faster customs processing and compliance with new regulations.

Parcel forwarding companies are directly impacted by the new US Customs regulations regarding cargo descriptions. Since we handle the processing and shipment of international parcels, we must ensure that all packages comply with the updated rules. This means that vague or unclear descriptions, like "clothes" or "accessories," will no longer be accepted. 

To avoid delays or rejections, as a parcel forwarding company we must work closely with you – our customers – to ensure that item descriptions are specific and accurate. This includes providing detailed information, such as the exact type of product, its material, and intended use. 

The quickest way to avoid delays is by uploading your purchase invoice from the retailer. This allows us to verify your package’s contents before it even arrives at our facility, speeding up processing and reducing the risk of rejections due to non-compliance with the new description regulations.

If you’re unable to upload an invoice, it’s crucial to provide detailed and accurate product descriptions when creating a shipment. For example, instead of writing "Toy," specify "Children’s Wooden Puzzle." While this can work, it carries more risk, as ensuring compliance will depend on your description accuracy.

By adhering to these guidelines, you’ll help us process your package more efficiently and avoid delays, even during peak shipping periods. To make things easier, we strongly encourage you to use our invoice upload feature – it’s a quick process that saves time and hassle, ensuring your packages reach their destination smoothly. 

Find out how to upload your purchase invoices and how this helps us process your shipment faster on our Incoming Package page. 

The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) enforces these new cargo description rules to enhance security, streamline customs processing, and ensure that shipments entering the US are accurately assessed for compliance with US import laws. The goal is to prevent the shipment of prohibited or dangerous goods, such as counterfeit products, unsafe items, or items that violate intellectual property rights. 

In addition to security concerns, clearer item descriptions help facilitate smoother customs clearance. With precise data, CBP can more easily determine the value, classification, and duty status of goods, ensuring that the correct taxes and duties are applied and that shipments don’t get delayed due to incorrect information.

Advanced screenings, specifically Air Cargo Advanced Screening (ACAS), refer to a pre-screening process used by US Customs and Border Protection to assess the risk level of air cargo shipments before they are loaded onto aircraft headed to the US. 

The goal is to identify high-risk shipments and prevent illegal or dangerous goods from entering the US. This pre-screening process is part of the US government's strategy to prevent terrorism, organized crime, and other threats from exploiting the shipping and logistics industry.

Under ACAS, carriers and freight forwarders must submit information about the cargo, such as the shipper's details, the contents of the shipment, and the precise descriptions of each item so that CBP can evaluate whether the shipment poses a risk. This allows customs officers to inspect, review, or reject cargo before it enters the US, providing a more efficient, secure, and proactive approach to customs enforcement.

References:

• Examples of Unacceptable vs Acceptable Cargo Descriptions
• CBP Regulation 19 CFR 128.21(a)(4)