The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recently updated its cargo description requirements for shipments into the U.S. that are too vague or unclear. Descriptions such as gift, appliance, daily necessities, accessories, auto parts, pharmaceuticals, and many more are not considered acceptable descriptions. For more examples, please visit the CBP page: Examples of Unacceptable vs Acceptable Cargo Descriptions.

Effective October 7, 2024, all shippers and forwarders must ensure that accurate and precise descriptions are provided to United Airlines for shipments into the U.S.

All Air Waybill (AWB) and House Air Waybill (HAWB) descriptions must accurately identify the commodity being shipped. If the descriptions are too vague or unclear, the CBP may reject the submissions resulting in the non-movement of cargo. As a reminder, CONSOLIDATION description is only acceptable at the Master Air Waybill (MAWB) level.

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.

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

We look forward to providing safe, swift, and secure transport for all your shipping needs.

United Cargo