*Question 10 Modified and Question 13 deleted April 22, 2005*

[**1. CBP‑Approved Electronic Data Interchange System
1**](#cbpapproved-electronic-data-interchange-system)

[2. Border Release Advance Screening and Selectivity (BRASS)
2](#border-release-advance-screening-and-selectivity-brass)

[3. Free and Secure Trade (FAST) 3](#free-and-secure-trade-fast)

[4. Clarification Of Time Frame Requirements For Data Transmissions
3](#clarification-of-time-frame-requirements-for-data-transmissions)

[5. Outlined Exceptions 3](#outlined-exceptions)

[6. In‑Transit Cargo 4](#intransit-cargo)

[7. Participant Procedures 4](#participant-procedures)

[8. Remote Location Filing (RLF) 6](#remote-location-filing-rlf)

[9. Compliance Dates 6](#compliance-dates)

[10. Enforced Compliance Dates 7](#enforced-compliance-dates)

[11. Permit Ports 10](#permit-ports)

[12. ACS Down Time Procedures 10](#acs-down-time-procedures)

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has received numerous questions
concerning the Trade Act of 2002 of which a final rule was established
on December 5, 2003 (68 FR 68140). The final rule provides for advance
manifest regulations for all modes of transportation both in and out of
the United States. CBP has provided our response, for now, of the most
frequently asked questions. CBP is hopeful that this document will
assist the trade community in understanding the expectations of CBP
concerning the advance manifest rules for inbound truck operations. The
effective date of implementation for the final rule was January 5, 2004.
Should you have additional questions that are not included in this
document please feel free to write to Manifest.Branch@dhs.gov. CBP will
continue to update this list, adding questions and answers. Please
continue to monitor this document for changes and updates.

## CBP‑Approved Electronic Data Interchange System

**A)** What advanced electronic cargo information is required by this
notice for trucks entering the United States?

> **Answer:** This notice requires that current systems for providing
> information to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) be used as the
> approved electronic data interchanges to meet the requirements of the
> regulations. As a result, current providers of information through the
> Automated Broker Interface (ABI) and other formats will continue to
> provide necessary information. This notice provides mandatory standard
> electronic data interchanges and initiates the time frames for
> submission of the data as specified in the December 5, 2003, Federal
> Register notice.

**B)** What are the approved electronic data interchanges?

**Answer:** CBP has approved the following interchanges for transmission
of advance cargo information in this interim phase:

-   Pre-Arrival Processing System (PAPS) -- A system that links
    electronic entry information supplied by a Customhouse broker
    through the Automated Broker Interface (ABI) with a Standard Carrier
    Alpha Code (SCAC) and unique identifier number (e.g., bill of
    lading, pro-bill or entry number) provided by a carrier. The
    shipment is identified at arrival by a barcode containing the SCAC
    code and unique identifier.

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-   ABI in-bond format (QP/WP) -- An ABI based format that allows filers
    to submit in-bond information directly to CBP and receive movement
    authorization electronically. The shipment is identified at arrival
    by the CBP Form 7512 (in‑bond document) that may also contain a
    barcode containing the in‑bond serial number.

> In addition to these two interchanges, CBP has made an exception to
> the advance cargo information time frames for two additional
> electronic data interchanges. These interchanges allow for the
> electronic transaction to occur at the time of arrival in the United
> States. These exceptions were made because of the enhanced security
> features inherent in their use. These interchanges are:

-   Border Release Advance Screening and Selectivity (BRASS) --
    Pre‑screened commercial parties importing pre-approved products are
    granted release at the time of arrival. The importer provides a
    barcode representing the transaction, a manifest and a commercial
    invoice that is presented by the driver. The information is verified
    and the shipment is released. There are additional new security
    measures added to BRASS to make it more compatible with the
    regulations.

-   Customs Automated Forms Entry System (CAFES) -- Allows in‑bond
    transactions to be input directly into the CBP system by use of a
    2-dimensional barcode. This barcode and the in-bond document are
    generated by a free software program made available by CBP on its
    web site.

**C)** Customhouse brokers and importers file entries, why does a rule
directed at carriers require entry processes?

> **Answer:** Until an electronic manifest process is available for
> truck cargo, CBP will use current reporting systems. The regulation
> providing for advance electronic submission for trucks (19 CFR 123.92)
> allows different commercial parties to transmit the information that
> they possess.
>
> ABI filers will continue to provide PAPS information through ABI and
> carriers will provide the relevant movement information. In this
> interim phase movement information is limited to a couple of items but
> when a truck manifest system becomes available, more data elements
> will be required from the carriers.

## Border Release Advance Screening and Selectivity (BRASS)

What changes have been made to BRASS to improve security and allow it to
be used to meet the requirements?

**Answer:** Changes made to allow the continuation of paper based BRASS
as an interim exception to the requirement to provide advance electronic
submission of cargo information include:

-   As of August 17, 2004, only current BRASS participants will be
    allowed to continue on the system.

-   Minimum BRASS transaction standards will be increased and enforced.

-   The truck carrier carrying the merchandise must only utilize drivers
    who are registered under the Free and Secure Trade (FAST) program
    and carrying a FAST Driver Card. This requirement does not currently
    apply at the ports of Eastport, Idaho; International Falls,
    Minnesota; Grand Portage, Minnesota; and Jackman, Maine, where FAST
    Driver Cards are not available but will be required by a separate
    Federal Register Notice when they become available.

-   For processing along the southern border, the truck carrier
    participates in an approved industry partnership program, such as
    C‑TPAT (Customs‑Trade Partnership Against Terrorism).

## Free and Secure Trade (FAST)

Will CBP Allow a Time Extension for the FAST Card Requirement for BRASS
Shipments?

**Answer:** Due to a late surge in applications there is a sizeable
backlog in the processing of applications at the FAST Processing Center.
This backlog will take approximately 90 days to eliminate. As a result,
the starting date for enforcement for the FAST driver identification
requirement for all groups will be **May 1, 2005.**

## Clarification Of Time Frame Requirements For Data Transmissions

How far in advance does the cargo information need to be submitted to
CBP?

**Answer:** Cargo information must be received by CBP in its electronic
systems at least one (1) hour prior to arrival. For shipments that
qualify for the Free and Secure Trade (FAST) program the information
must be received at least 30 minutes prior to arrival. Two systems,
BRASS and CAFES allow for presentation of the information at the time of
arrival.

## Outlined Exceptions

**A)** Are there any exceptions to these requirements for arriving
trucks?

**Answer:** The regulatory exceptions to advance electronic submission
of information include:

-   Cargo in transit from point to point in the United States. Domestic
    cargo transported by truck and arriving at one port from another in
    the United States after transiting Canada or Mexico (19 CFR 123.21;
    123.41).

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-   Certain informal entries.

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-   Merchandise that is informally entered on CBP Form (CBP) 368 or CBP
    Form 368A (cash collection or receipt).

-   Merchandise unconditionally or conditionally free, not exceeding
    \$2000 in value, eligible for entry on CBP Form 7523.

-   Products of the United States being returned, for which entry is
    prescribed on CBP Form 3311.

In addition, there are exceptions for this interim phase of the
requirements including:

-   Other shipments currently entered and released on paper such as CBP
    Form 3299 (Declaration for Free Entry of Unaccompanied Articles),
    CBP Form 214 (Application for Foreign Trade Zone Admission), and
    Instruments of International traffic (empty racks, etc.) entered on
    a CBP Form 7533 and Sec. 321 releases.

**B)** Will the paper based Monthly Manifest program be discontinued as
a result of this notice?

> **Answer:** CBP intends to continue support for what is known as
> Monthly Manifest (which applies to automotive products), until the
> periodic summary reporting that Monthly Manifest supports is available
> electronically.

## In‑Transit Cargo

Merchandise in-transit through Canada traveling on a CBP Form 7512B
(Canada 8½) is exempted by regulation. What about merchandise in-transit
through the United States on the same form?

**Answer:** Merchandise in-transit through the U.S. is treated as a
Transportation and Exportation in-bond movement. This information should
be transmitted to CBP via either QP/WP (one hour in advance) or CAFES
(at the time of arrival). The CBP Form 7512B (Canada 8 ½) may still be
used at arrival but the information must be transmitted electronically.

## Participant Procedures

**A)** What specific information is the carrier required to provide in
order to meet these initial requirements?

> **Answer:** For security purposes, to identify and link the carrier
> electronically to the entry transaction, PAPS, QP/WP and CAFES all
> require that the carrier possess a valid Standard Carrier Alpha Code
> (SCAC) and assign a unique number in combination with this code. The
> required identification number is created by identifying the
> four‑character SCAC, plus adding up to 12 alphanumeric characters for
> a maximum of 16 total characters. These numbers may include an in‑bond
> serial number or CBP entry number used in lieu of a carrier assigned
> pro‑bill number.

**B)** What are the new requirements for ABI filers under the
regulations?

> **Answer:** There are no new requirements for brokers to follow. The
> process of filing entry has not changed and the ABI filers will still
> submit electronic information as currently required by law and
> regulation. The ABI filer shall input the SCAC and identifier number
> in the appropriate fields for the various transactions. It is
> important to remember that CBP must receive the information in their
> system one-hour (30 minutes for FAST) in advance of the carrier's
> arrival at the U.S port of entry.

**C)** How does a carrier obtain a SCAC code?

> **Answer:** A carrier may obtain a SCAC code by contacting the
> National Motor Freight Traffic Association, Inc., 2200 Mill Rd.,
> Alexandria, VA 22314-4654 or [www.nmfta.org](http://www.nmfta.org/) .
> Carriers should FAX their NMFTA Letter of Notification to the CBP SCAC
> Registration Office at (703) 650-3650. The SCAC will remain valid
> through July 1 of the year following the year of assignment and must
> be renewed annually thereafter through the NMFTA to remain valid.

**D)** How does the carrier transmit the SCAC and number combination to
CBP?

> **Answer:** The carrier will provide this information to the
> Customhouse broker (or other ABI filer) in sufficient time to allow
> for electronic transmission to CBP 1 hour (or 30 minutes for FAST
> shipments) in advance. For PAPS shipments, this information is
> required to be placed on the manifest (CBP Form 7533) and invoice in a
> bar coded format for presentation to CBP at the time of arrival.

**E)** What if a carrier does not have a SCAC code or is crossing for
the first (or only) time?

**Answer:** Commercial carriers that infrequently cross the border
should still request a SCAC code and use it for border crossings as
described above. On a limited case-by-case basis, CBP may allow a first
time or one-time commercial carrier to arrive and release shipments
without using a SCAC code. CBP Officers will exercise enforcement
discretion in making these case-by-case determinations. The entry
information must still be received by CBP one hour in advance of
arrival. Examples of this may include but are not limited to:

-   One-time importers bringing commercial goods for their own use.

-   Commercial shipments such as sales samples and warranty replacements
    carried in personal or rental vehicles.

-   Some movements of farm equipment across the border when entry is
    required.

**F)** If an owner operator or other small carrier is contracted to
transport the merchandise across the border for a larger carrier that
provides the pro-bill/bill of lading, which SCAC code should be provide?

**Answer:** Until the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) manifest is
able to identify the specific truck and driver for a shipment; the
billing carrier should be identified in the transaction.

**G)** When using PAPS, can I provide more than one filer code on the
same CBP Form 7533?

**Answer:** Yes. The automation rule applies to the carrier;
subsequently, there is no restriction on filer codes. However, the
manifest must clearly designate filers on each PAPS label.

## Remote Location Filing (RLF)

If I use remote location filing (RLF), will there be any changes that
affect me?

> **Answer:** There are two parts of this implementation that will
> affect RLF filers:

-   All entries submitted for land border RLF shipments must be received
    by CBP at least one hour prior to arrival of the truck in the United
    States.

-   The SCAC code and unique identifier (pro-bill or entry number) must
    be identified in the existing specific fields of the ABI
    transmission from the filer. No paper invoice will be required for
    RLF filers if the electronic invoice is available.

-   The shipment may be released using either current RLF processes or
    PAPS. In lieu of the invoice, the carrier must note on the manifest
    that the shipment has been filed as an RLF entry and the invoice has
    been filed electronically.

## Compliance Dates

When do these new rules become effective?

> **Answer:** The rule became effective on November 15, 2004, in the
> first group of 40 ports of entry:

(1) Buffalo, NY (0901)

(2) Alexandria Bay, NY (0708)

(3) Ogdensburg, NY (0701)

(4) Massena, NY (0704)

(5) Detroit, MI (3801)

(6) Port Huron, MI (3802)

(7) Sault Ste. Marie, MI (3803)

(8) Algonac, MI (3814)

(9) Blaine, WA (3004)

(10) Sumas, WA (3009)

(11) Lynden, WA (3023)

(12) Oroville, WA (3019)

(13) Frontier, WA (3020)

(14) Laurier, WA (3016)

(15) Point Roberts, WA (3017)

(16) Danville, WA (3012)

(17) Ferry, WA (3013)

(18) Metaline Falls, WA (3025)

(19) Laredo, TX (2304)

(20) Eagle Pass, TX (2303)

(21) Brownsville, TX (2301)

(22) Progresso, TX (2309)

(23) Del Rio, TX (2302)

(24) Hidalgo/Pharr, TX (2305)

(25) Roma, TX (2310)

(26) Rio Grande City,TX (2307)

(27) El Paso, TX (2402)

(28) Presidio, TX (2403)

(29) Fabens, TX (2404)

(30) Columbus, NM (2406)

(31) Santa Teresa, NM (2408)

(32) Douglas, AZ (2601)

(33) Lukeville, AZ (2602)

(34) Naco, AZ (2603)

(35) Nogales, AZ (2604)

(36) Sasabe, AZ (2606)

(37) San Luis, AZ (2608)

(38) Tecate, CA (2505)

(39) Calexico, CA (2507)

(40) Otay Mesa, CA (2506)

On December 15, 2004, the rule became effective at the next group of 43
ports:

(41) Champlain, NY (0712)

(42) Trout River, NY (0715)

(43) Pembina, ND (3401)

(44) Noyes, MN (3402)

(45) Portal, ND (3403)

(46) Neche, ND (3404)

(47) St. John, ND (3405)

(48) Northgate, ND (3406)

(49) Walhalla, ND (3407)

(50) Hannah, ND (3408)

(51) Sarles, ND (3409)

(52) Ambrose, ND (3410)

(53) Antler, ND (3413)

(54) Sherwood, ND (3414)

(55) Hansboro, ND (3415)

(56) Maida, ND (3416)

(57) Fortuna, ND (3417)

(58) Westhope, ND (3419)

(59) Noonan, ND (3420)

(60) Carbury, ND (3421)

(61) Dunseith, ND (3422)

(62) Warroad, MN (3423)

(63) Baudette, MN (3424)

(64) Pine Creek, MN (3425)

(65) Roseau, MN (3426)

(66) International Falls, MN (3604)

(67) Grand Portage, MN (3613)

(68) Richford, VT (0203)

(69) Derby Line, VT (0209)

(70) Norton, VT (0211)

(71) Beecher Falls, VT (0206)

(72) Highgate Springs, VT (0212)

(73) Houlton, ME (0106)

(74) Bridgewater, ME (0127)

(75) Fort Fairfield, ME (0107)

(76) Limestone, ME (0118)

(77) Van Buren, ME (0108)

(78) Madawaska, ME (0109)

(79) Fort Kent, ME (0110)

(80) Calais, ME (0115)

(81) Vanceboro, ME (0105)

(82) Eastport/Lubec, ME (0103)

(83) Jackman, ME (0104)

On January 14, 2005, the rule became effective at the remaining 16
ports:

(84) Eastport, ID (3302)

(85) Porthill, ID (3308)

(86) Sweetgrass, MT (3310)

(87) Raymond, MT (3301)

(88) Turner, MT (3306)

(89) Scobey, MT (3309)

(90) Whitetail, MT (3312)

(91) Piegan, MT (3316)

(92) Opheim, MT (3317)

(93) Roosville, MT (3318)

(94) Morgan, MT (3319)

(95) Whitlash, MT (3321)

(96) Del Bonita, MT (3320)

(97) Alcan, AK (3104)

(98) Skagway, AK (3103)

(99) Dalton Cache, AK (3106)

## 

## Enforced Compliance Dates

### 

+------+--------------------------+------------------------------------+
| ###  | ### Implementation Date  | ### P                              |
|      |                          | orts as specified in the Trade Act |
+------+--------------------------+------------------------------------+
| > 1  | > November 15, 2004      | > Group 1                          |
+------+--------------------------+------------------------------------+
| > 2  | > December 15, 2004      | > Group 2                          |
+------+--------------------------+------------------------------------+
| > 3  | > January 14, 2005       | > Group 3                          |
+------+--------------------------+------------------------------------+

> Beginning on the dates established in the above schedule, CBP
> established the following procedures in each port for any truck that
> arrives in the United States, which is required to transmit
> information electronically to CBP. There are 3 phases, each phase
> focusing on one of the following three areas: IN-BOND, to include
> Customs Automated Forms Entry System (CAFES) and ABI in-bond format
> (QP/WP), Pre-Arrival Processing System (PAPS) and Border Release
> Advance Screening and Selectivity (BRASS). The implementation schedule
> is as follows:

+----------------------+-----------------------+----------------------+
| **Phase 1            | **Phase 2 (PAPS)**    | **Phase 3 (BRASS)**  |
| (IN-BOND)**          |                       |                      |
+----------------------+-----------------------+----------------------+
| **Group 1**          | **Group 1**           | **Group 1**          |
|                      |                       |                      |
| Part 1: 11/15/04 -   | Part 1: 12/01/04 -    | Part 1: 12/16/04 -   |
| 01/02/05             | 12/14/04              | 04/30/05             |
|                      |                       |                      |
| Part 2: 01/03/05 -   | Part 2: 12/15/04 -    | Part 2: 05/01/05 -   |
| 02/21/05             | 02/21/05              | 05/15/05             |
|                      |                       |                      |
| Part 3: 02/22/05 -   | Part 3: 02/22/05 -    | Part 3: 05/16/05     |
| 05/15/05             | 05/15/05              |                      |
|                      |                       |                      |
| Part 4: 05/16/05     | Part 4: 05/16/05      |                      |
+----------------------+-----------------------+----------------------+
| **Group 2**          | **Group 2**           | **Group 2**          |
|                      |                       |                      |
| Part 1: 12/15/04 -   | Part 1: 01/04/05 -    | Part 1: 01/20/04 -   |
| 01/02/05             | 01/18/05              | 04/30/05             |
|                      |                       |                      |
| Part 2: 01/03/05 -   | Part 2: 01/19/05 -    | Part 2: 05/01/05 -   |
| 02/21/05             | 02/21/05              | 05/15/05             |
|                      |                       |                      |
| Part 3: 02/22/05 -   | Part 3: 02/22/05 -    | Part 3: 05/16/05     |
| 05/15/05             | 05/15/05              |                      |
|                      |                       |                      |
| Part 4: 05/16/05     | Part 4: 05/16/05      |                      |
+----------------------+-----------------------+----------------------+
| **Group 3**          | **Group 3**           | **Group 3**          |
|                      |                       |                      |
| Part 1: 01/14/05 -   | Part 1: 02/02/05 -    | Part 1: 02/17/05 -   |
| 01/31/05             | 02/15/05              | 04/30/05             |
|                      |                       |                      |
| Part 2: 02/01/05 -   | Part 2: 02/16/05 -    | Part 2: 05/01/05 -   |
| 02/20/05             | 03/06/05              | 05/15/05             |
|                      |                       |                      |
| Part 3: 02/21/05 -   | Part 3: 03/07/05 -    | Part 3: 05/16/05     |
| 05/15/05             | 05/15/05              |                      |
|                      |                       |                      |
| Part 4: 05/16/05     | Part 4: 05/16/05      |                      |
+----------------------+-----------------------+----------------------+

> **Phase 1 (In-Bond) All Groups**
>
> For any truck arriving with in-bond shipments (QP/WP and CAFES) that
> have not been transmitted electronically to CBP, the following
> guidelines have been implemented:
>
> **Part 1**: Ports will issue an Information Letter.
>
> **Part 2**: A penalty will be issued for egregious violations, with
> the following guidelines: The driver (in care of the carrier) will be
> liable under 19 USC 1436.
>
> **Part 3**: A penalty under 19 USC 1436 will be issued to the driver
> (in care of the carrier) who fails to provide CBP with electronic
> cargo information prior to arrival and do not have a QP barcode (or
> in-bond number). For carriers that can provide proof that the
> information was timely provided to the ABI filer prior to arrival, an
> information letter will be issued to the ABI filer and carrier. No
> penalty will be issued to the carrier. A penalty under 19 USC 1436
> will be assessed to the driver (in care of the carrier) who does not
> have a valid CAFES barcode that transmits the required electronic
> cargo information.
>
> **Part 4**: Denial of Entry of the conveyance (turning the truck
> around) will be issued to the driver who fails to provide CBP with
> electronic cargo information prior to arrival and does not have a QP
> barcode (or in-bond number). For carriers that can provide proof that
> the information was timely provided to the broker prior to arrival, a
> noncompliance letter will continue to be issued to the broker and
> carrier. No denial of entry will be issued to the carrier.
>
> Denial of entry of the conveyance will be issued to a driver who does
> not have a valid CAFES barcode that transmits the required electronic
> cargo information.
>
> **Phase 2 (PAPS) All Groups**

For any truck arriving with a PAPS entry that was not electronically
received by CBP, the following guidelines will be implemented:

> **Part 1**: Ports will issue an Information Letter.
>
> **Part 2**: A penalty will be issued for egregious violations, with
> the following guidelines: The driver (in care of the carrier) will be
> liable under 19 USC 1436.
>
> **Part 3**: A penalty under 19 USC 1436 will be issued to the driver
> (in care of the carrier) who fails to provide CBP with electronic
> cargo information prior to arrival and do not have a PAPS barcode (or
> entry number). For carriers that can provide proof that the
> information was timely provided to the ABI filer prior to arrival, an
> information letter will be issued to the ABI filer and carrier. No
> penalty will be issued to the carrier.
>
> **Part 4**: Denial of Entry of the conveyance (turning the truck
> around) will be issued to the driver who fails to provide CBP with
> electronic cargo information prior to arrival and does not have a PAPS
> barcode (or entry number). For carriers that can provide proof that
> the information was timely provided to the broker prior to arrival, a
> noncompliance letter will continue to be issued to the broker and
> carrier. No denial of entry will be issued to the carrier.
>
> **Phase 3 (BRASS) All Groups**
>
> For BRASS entries where the driver does not present a valid FAST card,
> the following guidelines will be implemented:
>
> **Part 1**: Ports will issue the BRASS Notice of Noncompliance.
>
> **Part 2**: If a driver arrives at the border with a BRASS shipment
> but does not present a FAST ID card, the driver (in care of the
> carrier) will be liable to a penalty under 19 USC 1436. Having applied
> for a FAST ID card will not excuse the driver from the violation.
>
> This requirement does not currently apply at the ports of Eastport,
> Idaho; International Falls, Minnesota; Grand Portage, Minnesota; and
> Jackman, Maine, where FAST Driver Cards are not available but will be
> required by a separate Federal Register Notice when they become
> available.
>
> **Part 3**: If a driver arrives at the border with a BRASS shipment
> but does not present a FAST ID card, the conveyance will be denied
> entry into the United States (turned around). Having applied for a
> FAST ID card will not excuse the driver from the violation.
>
> This requirement does not currently apply at the ports of Eastport,
> Idaho; International Falls, Minnesota; Grand Portage, Minnesota; and
> Jackman, Maine, where FAST Driver Cards are not available but will be
> required by a separate Federal Register Notice when they become
> available.
>
> **Note**: CBP recognizes that there are restrictions on how many hours
> a driver is allowed to drive before having to meet mandatory rest
> requirements. Subsequently, in trucks arriving with a BRASS shipment
> where there are two drivers, CBP only requires that the driver with
> the FAST ID card be the one who signs the BRASS manifest. CBP does not
> require that the driver with the FAST ID card be physically driving at
> the time of entry. However, he must be in the truck and present his
> FAST ID card at the time of entry.

## Permit Ports

How do these changes impact processing at the permit ports listed on the
Federal Register Notice?

**Answer:** Permit ports will continue to process only entries for which
a permit has been granted for that port. These changes do not open
permit ports to all arriving merchandise. The primary change to permit
port processing will involve the replacement of current BREL processing
with electronic entry procedures through ABI. The requirement for PAPS,
BRASS, QP/WP and CAFES applies to permit ports.

## ACS Down Time Procedures

For PAPS users, what procedures will be used during ACS down times?

**Answer:** In the event that an entry is presented for release using
the (PAPS) when either the CBP system is down, or ABI is down, the
driver will be sent to the entry filer to obtain the following:

-   ABI System Down Letter

-   CBP Form 3461Alt

Both must be attached to the release copy of the invoice in order for
the cargo to move under the currently established down time procedures.
This is necessary in part because with only a PAPS label on the
paperwork, and nothing in the electronic systems, there is nothing to
obligate the filing of an entry. Additionally, in the event that follow
up is needed, CBP cannot call the filer with only a SCAC/Pro#
combination to determine the status. An entry number is required for
tracking purposes.

> If the release is at a "Permit" Port, the filer will be required to
> fax a signed letter, which includes the entry number, or a copy of the
> CBP Form 3461 that obligates the firm to file the subsequent entry
> documentation.