Using a unique bill of lading number, manifest data can be transmitted electronically for all cargo enroute to the United States prior to vessel arrival. This allows Customs an opportunity to review the submitted documentation and determine, in advance, whether the merchandise merits examination or whether to release it immediately upon arrival. The carrier, upon receiving a provisional release from Customs, is able to make decisions on staging cargo and the importer can arrange for examination, release, and further distribution of the merchandise. All of this can be accomplished before the merchandise actually arrives. Trade participation in Sea AMS continues to grow steadily.
Approved carriers can electronically arrive their own vessels at discrage ports.
Port Authority Interface Port Authorities play a major role within the cargo release network. Port authorities receive manifest information for AMS vessels calling at their ports, as well as bill of lading status reports. This allows them to make the information available to all concerned parties. Additionally, participants can electronically update these movements with arrival and export data. Sea AMS Communications Customs provides free dial-up connections at 9600 baud.