This month, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) clarified its messaging requirements for shipments with vague cargo descriptions. The CBP is aiming to address descriptions of cargo that are too vague or unclear (i.e., gift, daily necessities, accessories, parts, and consolidated, among many others). Consolidated is only acceptable at the master bill level. According to the CBP rules (19 CFR § 4.7a, 122.48a, 123.91, 123.92 and 128.21), precise descriptions of the merchandise are required. A list of acceptable cargo descriptions can be found on the CBP website.

Effective immediately, all shippers and forwarders must ensure accurate and precise description is provided to United Airlines. Brokers and freight forwarders who self-file house bills are held to the same standard as carriers and are expected to screen data for compliance with cargo declaration regulations. If CBP identifies any enforcement concerns, they may take additional actions.

Furthermore, CBP has implemented nationwide cargo messaging to communicate with the entry filer about shipments that have vague noncompliant cargo descriptions. In most cases, messages will be sent via ACE Cargo Release after release of the cargo. Brokers and importers are expected to process these messages and work to correct the issue with the shipper and bill of lading issuer for compliance on future shipments.

For general questions, or concerns about specific vague description cargo messages, please email ecommerce@cbp.dhs.gov. If you have any questions about these requirements, please feel free to reach out to the United Cargo Compliance Team at CargoCompliance@united.com.