E-manifests for border cargo

The Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced last month that the first phase of its requirement that inbound commercial truck cargo be preceded by an electronic manifest goes into effect Nov. 15, 2004.

Under the new security program, all trucks bringing cargo into the U.S. must send a written description of their load electronically at least one hour before they arrive at the border crossing. Carriers participating in the FAST (Free And Secure Trade) program have until 30 minutes before arrival to submit e-manifests.

Deadlines for parts two and three of the staggered implementation schedule are Dec. 15, 2004 and Jan. 14, 2005.

For a complete listing of ports of entry by compliance date, go to www.gpoaccess.gov Look for “Required Advance Presentation of Cargo Information” in the Federal Register, August 17, 2004.