BRASS (CBP Shipment Type)
Last updated 13 July 2026
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| This article is part of the Shipment Release Types Guide |
| BRASS for truck was discontinued with CBP's Truck Manifest Modernization (TMM). CBP advised that the C4 code would not be supported for truck shipments going forward and that filers must use an alternative entry or release method. BRASS for rail was not affected by that notice.[1] |
BRASS (Border Release Advanced Screening and Selectivity) is a legacy U.S. shipment type that was used for goods to clear through CBP in BorderConnect ACE Manifest software. CBP described BRASS as a process used for tracking and releasing highly repetitive shipments at CBP land border locations.[1]
BRASS was designed to expedite the release of high-volume, highly compliant cargo shipments through CBP line release procedures. Historically, the importer provided the carrier with a C4 code that covered the goods being imported, and the C4 code was often provided in barcoded format.
For truck shipments, BRASS has been discontinued and should no longer be selected for new truck ACE Manifest shipments. Carriers should use another appropriate release or entry process, such as PAPS or ACE In-Bond, depending on the movement.
Current Truck Status
As part of Truck Manifest Modernization, CBP discontinued support for BRASS for truck shipments. CBP stated that use of BRASS as an entry type would be discontinued when Truck Manifest Modernization went live for participating truck ports, and would ultimately cease when deployment reached all remaining ports.[1]
CBP also stated that the C4 code would not be supported going forward and that an alternative entry method must be used.[1] The same notice clarified that this change was effective for truck only and did not affect the use of BRASS as a shipment type for rail at that time.[1]
Historical Reporting in ACE eManifest
Before the truck phase-out, BRASS shipments were declared on an ACE eManifest. To report a BRASS shipment, the carrier created an ACE Shipment designated as BRASS and transmitted it as part of the ACE Manifest.
Although a BRASS shipment was different from a PAPS shipment, the carrier still needed to provide:
- A unique Shipment Control Number
- Shipper, consignee, and commodity information
- The BRASS C4 Line Release Number from the paperwork
If the C4 number was no longer valid or was not allowed at the port of entry selected on the ACE Manifest, the carrier could receive a reject message on the ACE transmission.
Because BRASS was a type of formal entry, the customs broker still needed to receive the paperwork from the carrier in a timely fashion so that they were notified that the shipment was taking place. Unlike PAPS, it was not a requirement for the broker to file an entry before the carrier crossed the border.
What To Use Instead
For current U.S.-bound truck shipments, users should select the shipment type that matches how the goods are being released or moved.
| If the shipment is... | Use this instead |
|---|---|
| A standard commercial shipment entering the United States for release | PAPS |
| Moving under bond to another U.S. port, warehouse, or export location | ACE In-Bond |
| Moving under another special release process | Use the applicable ACE shipment type or confirm the correct process with the customs broker. |
The carrier should confirm the correct shipment type with the customs broker before the ACE Manifest is transmitted.
See also
- PAPS
- ACE In-Bond
- BorderConnect ACE Manifest Guide
- ACE Shipment Details Page
- Shipment Control Number
- Shipment Release Types Guide