 |
General
| Q : |
What is AMS? |
| A : |
AMS, abbreviation of Automated Manifest System, is a electronic transmission system to US Customs (CBP) before the actual arrival of cargo in US territory. This system originally started as to simplify the custom procedure, but recently, the main focus has shifted to inspect cargo in advance to avoid terror and to tighten security measures.
CBP : Customs and Border Protection - New Official Name for US Customs.
Sub-organization of US DHS (Department of Homeland Security) |
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| Q : |
What is the basic difference between AMS and other nation's declaration system? |
| A : |
AMS requires mandatory submission of electronic declarations within 4 hours before the arrival at first US stations.
Secondly, the Carrier must transmit both MAWB and HAWB.
Thirdly, any mis-input in Data, late or omission of transmission are subject to penalty. |
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| Q : |
What is the estimated amount of fine for each AMS Data failure and who is subject to fine? |
| A : |
For each irregularity case per MAWB/HAWB, USD5,000 - USD 10,000 will be imposed to the Carrier. According to US DHS Regulation § 122.48[c][3], the Carrier could seek re-compensation to the Agent.
Cases subject to penalty : Omission of Transmission, Inaccurate Transmission, False Report Shipment of US Embargo items. |
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| Q : |
Who is subject to AMS Transmission? |
| A : |
Carrier (mandatory)
Freight Forwarder (AMS Deconsolidator)
Importer or its Broker (ABI : Automated Broker Interface)
Express Consignment Facility |
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| Q : |
Should Forwarders register to US CBP for transmission of Air AMS? |
| A : |
Forwarders are not required to register to US CBP, and HAWB could be transmitted in other ways (See Submission of AWB Data to the Carrier). However, AMS Deconsolidator should complete registration process to acquire FIRMS Code from CBP.
FIRMS : Facilities Information and Resources Management System |
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| Q : |
Are there any exceptions to the Declaration of Air AMS? |
| A : |
Public aircraft, Private aircraft, Charter Flights operated by US Gov't are exempted from Transmission of Air AMS. |
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| Q : |
What are the cities that require the Transmission of Air AMS? |
| A : |
All US Mainland cities and ANC, HNL. |
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| Q : |
Which regions are exempted from Transmission of Air AMS? |
| A : |
Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Wake Island, Midway Islands and Johnston Atoll. |
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| Q : |
When is the enforcement date of Air AMS? |
| A : |
| Date |
Ports in the Following Locations |
Eastern U.S.
August 13, 2004 |
Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Maine, Marryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia. |
Central U.S.
October 13, 2004 |
Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin |
Western U.S.
December 13, 2004 |
Alaska, Arizona, california, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, Oregon, Utah, Washington |
|
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| Q : |
Does the enforcement date above applies to first station (including T/L) or final destination? |
| A : |
Air AMS applies to the first station (including T/L). For MASkargo, all MH flights to New York will take effect from 13th August, 2004. For MH flights to Los Angeles, Air AMS will take effect from 13th December, 2004. |
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| Q : |
Who is responsible for Air AMS Data input? |
| A : |
In general, the Carrier is responsible for MAWB Data input, and the Agent (Departure Station) is responsible for HAWB Data input. |
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| Q : |
What is the time limit for Air AMS and which station is in charge of sending Air AMS data to CBP? |
| A : |
Air AMS Data should be sent no later than 4 hours before arrival of the first station in US territory.
For MASkargo, the first departure station will be in charge of sending Air AMS data to CBP. |
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| Q : |
Glossary |
| A : |
| Acronym |
Description |
|
ACS |
Automated Commercial
System. U.S. Customs and Border Protection
(CBP) electronic entry/manifest processing
system |
|
ABI |
Automated Broker Interface,
a module of CBP Automated Commercial System |
|
AES |
Automated Export System |
|
AGT |
Agent. (Message Line
Identifier) |
|
AAMS |
AMS |
|
AMS |
Automated Manifest System.
Comprised of Air, Sea/Rail modules of
ACS |
|
ARR |
Arrival detail. (Message
Line Identifier) |
|
AWB |
Air waybill (Message
Line Identifier) |
|
ASN |
Airline Status Notification.
(Message Line Identifier) |
|
ATA |
Air Transport Association
of America |
|
ATS |
Automated Targeting System
|
|
B/L |
Bill of Lading |
|
CAMIR |
Customs Automated Manifest
Interface Requirements |
|
CCL |
Cargo Control Location.
(Message Line Identifier) |
|
CED |
Customs Express Detail
(Message Line Identifier). |
|
CFR or CR |
Code of Federal Regulations
or Customs Regulations |
|
CFS |
Container Freight Station
(also known as Deconsolidator) |
|
CNE |
Consignee. (Message Line
Identifier) |
|
COAC |
Commercial Operations
Advisory Committee of the Customs Service |
|
CRLF |
Carriage Return and Line
Feed (end-of-line character string) |
|
CSD |
Customs Shipment Description.
(Message Line Identifier) |
|
CSI |
Container Security Initiative
|
|
CSN |
Customs Status Notification.
(Message Line Identifier) |
|
C-TPAT |
The Customs-Trade Partnership
Against Terrorism |
|
CTO |
Cargo Terminal Operator.
FIRMS or carrier code. |
|
DEP |
Departure. (Message Line
Identifier) |
|
DHS |
Department of Homeland
Security |
|
ECCF |
Express Cargo Clearance
Facility |
|
ERF |
Error Report Flight (Message
Line Identifier) |
|
ERR |
Error. (Message Line
Identifier) |
|
FDM |
Flight Departure Message.
(Message Type) |
|
FER |
Freight Error Report.
(Message Type) |
|
FIRMS |
Facility Information
Resource Management System |
|
FRC |
Freight Report Change.
(Message Type) |
|
FRI |
Freight Report Inbound.
(Message Type) |
|
FROB |
Foreign Cargo Remaining
on Board |
|
FSC |
Freight Status Condition.
(Message Type) |
|
FRX |
Freight Report Cancellation.
(Message Type) |
|
FSI |
Freight Status Information
(Message Type) |
|
FSN |
Freight Status Notification.
(Message Type) |
|
FSQ |
Freight Status Query.
(Message Type) |
|
FXC |
Freight Express Change.
(Message Type) |
|
FXI |
Freight Express Inbound.
(Message Type) |
|
FXX |
Freight Express Cancellation.
(Message Type) |
|
GMT |
Greenwich Mean Time |
|
G.O. |
General Order. |
|
House Air Waybill |
House air waybill. |
|
HUB |
Private type of courier
express facility (exclusive to operating
air courier) |
|
ICAO |
International Civil Aviation
Organization. Issuer of the Three-Letter
Airline Designator |
|
IATA |
International Air Transportation
Association |
|
IATA CARGO IMP |
IATA Cargo Interchange
Message Procedures. |
|
IB |
In-Bond |
|
IE |
Immediate Exportation
or Informal Entry under Customs bond. |
|
ISO |
International Standards
Organization |
|
IT |
Immediate Transportation
under Customs Bond |
|
Master Air Waybill |
Master air waybill for
consolidation. |
|
MDR |
Manifest Discrepancy
Report. |
|
MOD |
Modification |
|
NPRM |
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
(2003.7.23) |
|
RIA |
Regulatory Impact Analysis
|
|
PTP |
Permit To Proceed. |
|
RFA |
Reason For Amendment.
(Message Line Identifier) |
|
SCAC |
Standard Carrier Alpha
Code (not supported by AMS) |
|
SHP |
Shipper |
|
SMI |
Standard Message Identifier.
|
|
T&E |
Transportation and Exportation
under Customs bond. |
|
TRN |
Transfer |
|
TSA |
Transportation Security
Administration |
|
TXT |
Text explanation |
|
XACTION |
Transaction |
|
XFER |
Transfer |
|
XMIT |
Transmit |
|
US |
United States |
|
USPS |
United States Postal
Service |
|
WBL |
Waybill |
|
On PC/WT
| Q : |
What is the proper number piece in sending Air AMS Data? |
| A : |
MAWB must include Total Inner piece (the smallest external packaging unit) as well as SKID Unit and ULD Unit.
ex. 1pc 2400kg (1 BUC, 345 Box)
* 1pc (345pc) 2400kg
ex. 5pc 3500kg (5 Skid, 1 Skid Contains 75Box)
* 5pc (375pc) 3500kg
|
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| Related CBP Q and A |
| Q : |
When reporting the quantity of pieces for cargo loaded on a pallet, unit load device (ULD) or other similar equipment, what quantity should be reported in Air AMS? |
| A : |
The Final Rule requires that the Air AMS participant report the quantity based on the smallest external packing unit. For example, one pallet loaded with 100 boxes would be reported with a quantity of 100 |
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| Q : |
Should total HAWB WT and MAWB WT be identical? |
| A : |
Both total HAWB WT and MAWB WT must be identical. |
SHPR/CNEE Data
| Q : |
What is the proper method of entering Shipper and Consignee? |
| A : |
Consol MAWB : the Name & Address of Consolidator/Deconsolidator
Single MAWB & HAWB : Actual Name & Address of SHIPPER/CONSIGNEE
ex :
- Name of the Shipper: Up to 35 alphanumeric (including space)
- Street & Address: Up to 35 alphanumeric (including space)
- CITY, COUNTRY, TOWNSHIP: Up to 17 alphanumeric (including space)
- STATE: Up to 9 alphanumeric (including space)
Abbreviation is accepted (ex. California - CA)
- COUNTRY CODE: 2 Letters only (number is not acceptable)
|
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| Q : |
Is it possible to input Telephone Number and CPO Box? |
| A : |
Input of only telephone number or CPO Box is not allowed. Exact name of the SHPR/CNEE and address must be entered. |
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| Q : |
Is it possible to enter the name of Forwarder in SHPR/CNEE of HAWB? |
| A : |
Input of mere Forwarder is not allowed. Exact name of the SHPR/CNEE must be entered. |
Commodity Name
| Q : |
In the case of One Master One House, what is the proper Commodity Name? |
| A : |
All Consol must be entered as 'CONSOL' or 'CONSOLIDATION' only. ('CNSL' is not allowed) For HAWB, 'Precise Cargo Description' must be stated. |
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| Related CBP Q and A |
| Q : |
If a master air waybill record has only a single house air waybill, is it possible for the carrier to transmit as a simple air waybill? |
| A : |
No. When a master air waybill references only one house air waybill, both the master air waybill and the house air waybill must be reported. |
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| Q : |
What is the general standard for entering commodity? |
| A : |
Ambiguous or equivocal term should not be used. The prohibited Commodity List is appended to this FAQ. |
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| Q : |
Commodity |
| A : |
| Not Acceptable |
Acceptable |
|
Apparel
Wearing Apparel
Ladies' Apparel
Men's Apparel |
Clothing
Shoes
Footwear
Jewelry (may include watches |
|
Appliances |
Kitchen
Appliances
Industrial Appliances
Heat Pump |
|
Autoparts
Parts |
New
Autoparts
Used Autoparts |
|
Caps |
Baseball
Caps
Blasting Caps
Bottle Caps
Hub Caps |
|
Chemicals,
hazardous
Chemicals, non-hazardous |
Actual
Chemical Name (not brand name)
Or U.N. HAZMAT Code Identifier # |
|
Electronic
Goods
Electronics |
Computers
Consumer Electronics, Telephones
Electronic Toys (can include Gameboys, Game
Cubes,
Dancing Elmo Doll etc.)
Personal/Household Electronics (i.e. PDA's,
VCR's, TV's) |
|
Equipment |
Industrial
Equipment, Oil Well Equipment
Automotive Equipment, Poultry Equipment
etc. |
|
Flooring |
Wood
Flooring, Plastic Flooring, Carpet, Ceramic
Tile,
Marble Flooring |
|
Foodstuffs |
Oranges
Fish
Packaged Rice, Packaged Grain, Bulk Grain |
|
Iron
|
Iron
Pipes, Steel Pipes |
|
Steel |
Iron
Building Material, Steel Building Material |
|
Leather
Articles |
Saddles
Leather Handbags
Leather Jackets, Shoes |
|
Machinery
|
Metal
Working Machinery
Cigarette Making Machinery |
|
Machines |
Sewing
Machines
Printing Machines |
|
Pipes |
Plastic
Pipes
PVC Pipes
Steel Pipes
Copper Pipes |
|
Plastic
Goods |
Plastic
Kitchenware, Plastic Houseware,
Industrial Plastics
Toys, New/Used Auto Parts |
|
Polyurethane
|
Polyurethane
Threads
Polyurethane Medical Gloves |
|
Personal
Effects
Household Goods |
|
Rubber
Articles |
Rubber
Hoses
Tires
Toys
Rubber Conveyor Belts |
|
Rods |
Welding
Rods
Rebar
Aluminum Rods
Reactor Rods |
|
Scrap |
Plastic
Scrap
Aluminum Scrap
Iron Scrap |
|
STC
(Said to Contain)
General Cargo
FAK ( Freight of All Kinds)
"No Description" |
|
|
Tiles |
Ceramic
Tiles
Marble Tiles |
|
Tools |
Hand
Tools
Power Tools
Industrial Tools |
|
Wires
|
Electric
Wires
Auto Harness
Coiled Wire (Industrial) |
|
Split (Partial) Shipment
| Q : |
Is the partial shipment prohibited? |
| A : |
Partial Shipment is NOT Prohibited. In the case of Partial shipment, exact piece, Manifest Data,AMS Data of Partial Cargo must be matched. Also, for BUC shipment, AWB must include exact information of cargo in ULD and Document: "Customs Pouch" must be submitted to the Carrier. It is strongly recommended to avoid Partial shipment of HAWB, and large shipments are strongly advised to be divided into seperate MAWB.
"Customs Pouch" includes the following documents;
* Consolidation List or HAWB copy
* Consolidation List per Pallet (Cargo Location required in BUC or Skid ) |
| |
| Q : |
Is it possible to send Partial Shipment to different itinerary? |
| A : |
No. The itinerary of the Partial shipment should be identical. |
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| Related CBP Q and A |
| Q : |
Since the Automated Broker Interface (ABI) cannot accommodate multiple flight arrival information for split shipments how can a single entry be filed for a split shipment and the proper freight status notifications be sent? |
| A : |
CBP has an existing policy to allow a single entry to be filed for a split shipment provided that the conditions of part 141.57 of the Customs Regulations have been satisfied. If these conditions are satisfied, the entry filer must include additional information on the CBP Form 3461. For purposes of completing boxes 12, 13, 15, 16 and 17 of the CBP 3461, the filer will include the transportation information for the first portion of the split shipment. For the purposes of completing boxes 21, 22 and 23, the filer must enter all air waybills and the quantities for which a single entry or a special permit for immediate delivery are requested. In box 29, the filer will enter the following information for all portions of the split shipment covered by the single entry or special permit for immediate delivery:
- Carrier Code
- Flight Number
- Arrival Date
- Piece Count for that Arrival.
In order to transmit an electronic permit to release for each portion of a split shipment, CBP must post such release to each portion covered by the single entry or special permit for immediate delivery. To effect such release, the importer must provide a copy of the CBP 3461 to CBP with the information noted above. If the release is to occur incrementally, the filer must provide such notification to CBP upon arrival of each portion of the shipment. |
Validity of the Data
| Q : |
Should AWB data and System data collides with each other, which one is valid? |
| A : |
The System Data takes preference to AWB Data since it is sent by EDI. |
| |
| Q : |
What is the maximum alphanumeric in HAWB? |
| A : |
12 alphanumeric |
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| Related CBP Q and A |
| Q : |
Is the AMS participant required to transmit all the alphanumeric characters as printed on the paper copy of the House Air Waybill? |
| A : |
Yes. The AMS participant is required to report the full House Air Waybill identifier as printed on the hard copy document. This includes alpha characters preceding or contained within the house-level shipment identification. |
Local Transfer
| Q : |
What is the input method of the Local Transfer Shipment from the Carrier to Forwarders? |
| A : |
Please Input in MAWB Handling Information as following;
LOCAL TRANSFER AT DESTINATION TO WAREHOUSE E844"
(If the FIRM CODE of the Bonded Warehouse is E844)
FIRMS : Facilities Information and Resources Management System |
| |
| Q : |
Does the same method apply to Partial Shipment involving more than one Bonded Warehouse? |
| A : |
Yes. Same method should be applied with separate FIRMS code for each Bonded Warehouse. |
| |
| Related CBP Q and A |
| Q : |
If a Master Air Waybill record references split arrival information, must the carrier request #65AFACand receive electronic authorization for each part of the split shipment? |
| A : |
Yes. For each portion of the split Master Air Waybill that is transferred to another facility, the carrier must request and receive electronic transfer authorization. |
FROB (Foreign Cargo Remaining Onboard)
| Q : |
Does Air AMS apply to the Cargo via US whose final Destination is Outside of US (such as Canada)? |
| A : |
Yes. Any MH flight bound for a destination outside of LAX and EWR is subject to Air AMS based on FROB (Foreign Remaining On Board) regulations. |
| |
| Q : |
Does Air AMS apply to the Cargo bound for Europe via US? |
| A : |
Yes. For instance, cargo bound for CPH via ANC & JFK is subject to Air AMS. |
| |
| Related CBP Q and A |
| Q : |
Is AMS filing required for cargo that arrives aboard an aircraft, is not unladen and subsequently exported from the U.S. aboard the same aircraft? |
| A : |
Yes. Such cargo meets the definition of Foreign Cargo Remaining on Board (FROB). AMS will include a new indicator in the transfer line for purposes of identifying such cargo as FROB. (TRN/R) This indicator will be used for simple and Master Air Waybill records. House Air Waybill records must be reported for consolidated shipments even though the FROB indicator need not be used for the House Air Waybill records. The FROB indicator at the Master Air Waybill level will be applied to all associated House Air Waybills. |
AMS Deconsolidator
| Q : |
What is AMS Deconsolidator |
| A : |
AMS Deconsolidator is a member of CBP that has acquired FIRMS code, and thus authorized to send House Data directly to CBP System. Carriers has no obligations to send House Data of AMS Deconsolidator.
FIRMS : Facilities Information and Resources Management System |
| |
| Q : |
What is the advantage of AMS Deconsolidator having authorized to send House Data directly to CBP? |
| A : |
AMS Deconsolidators does not have to reveal internal classified information, and can also receive prompt reply from CBP. |
| Related CBP Answer |
| |
By providing house-level air waybill information directly to CBP, an eligible voluntary AMS participant need not disclose to the carrier those data elements of the House Air Waybill related to the shipper and consignee. Many such parties consider this information to be business proprietary information, which it would prefer to report directly to CBP without having to so disclose to the carrier. In addition, voluntary participants would be able to request in-bond authorization at the House Air Waybill level through AMS. Finally, a Container Freight Station (CFS) or Express Consignment Carrier Facility (ECCF) that voluntarily participates in AMS would receive electronic Freight Status Notification (FSN) messages related to CBP processing of entries for cargo located at its facility. |
| |
| Q : |
How could AWB indicate the cargo of AMS Deconsolidator? |
| A : |
On 'Handling Information of MAWB', the forwarder should input following data and submit; "HOUSE INFORMATION TRANSMITTED BY Y807"
(If the FIRMS CODE is Y807). In the FWB Message, the FIRMS CODE is to be indicated in the OSI line of the message. |
| |
| Q : |
Since AMS Deconsolidator does not display HAWB, what is the solution to Partial Shipment? |
| A : |
In general, Partial Shipment is prohibited in AMS Deconsolidator.
In case of Partial shipment the Deconsolidator should submit "CUSTOMS Pouch"containing following information to the Carrier (Pouch should be submitted with the AWB) HAWB (CONSOLIDATION) MANIFEST or HAWB Hard Copies Consolidation MFST per pallet : Submit HAWB information on SKID or BUC pallet
ex. HAWB BAX11111/34PC-PMC1234KE/20PC, PMC2345KE/14PC |
> AMS Air Waybill Submission Procedure
> Air AMS Implementation Strategy
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