Goods Astray (CBP Shipment Type)

🔖 This article is part of the Shipment Release Types Guide

Goods Astray (CBP Shipment Type)

A guide to the U.S. informal entry process for undeliverable goods returning within 45 days.

Type: Informal Entry Country: United States (CBP)

Overview

Goods Astray is a U.S. Shipment Type used for goods clearing through U.S. Customs and Border Protection on an ACE Manifest. It is a specific type of Informal Entry that allows for the release of goods at the border if they meet three strict conditions:

• Exported: The goods were originally exported from the United States.
• Returned < 45 Days: The goods are returning to the U.S. within 45 days of that export as undeliverable.
• Continuous Custody: The goods have not left the custody of the carrier or foreign customs service.

Upon request by CBP, the carrier or importer must provide evidence to support these claims.

Regulatory Basis: This process is based on HTSUS General Note 3(e) and 19 CFR § 141.4, which exempt certain "undeliverable articles" from formal entry requirements provided the conditions above are met.

Evidence Commonly Requested

Because "Goods Astray" is an exemption from normal entry, CBP may request proof that the shipment qualifies. Carriers should be prepared to produce:

• Proof of Export: Original export paperwork, bill of lading, or proof of departure date to verify the 45-day window.
• Undeliverable Status: Documentation showing the goods were refused, rejected by the consignee, or undeliverable (e.g., return instructions or refusal notice).
• Custody Verification: Evidence that the goods remained in the custody of the carrier or foreign customs and did not enter the commerce of the foreign country.

Declaring in ACE eManifest

Step 1: Create the ACE Shipment

Highway carriers must report these shipments on their ACE Manifest using the specific release type.

• Shipment Type: Select Goods Astray (Release Type 18).
• Export Date: You must enter the date the cargo originally left the United States. This is a mandatory data element for this release type to validate the 45-day rule.
• Standard Data: Provide a unique Shipment Control Number (SCN), Shipper, Consignee, and Commodity information.

Entering a Goods Astray Shipment in BorderConnect

Step 2: At the Border

• No Broker: As an informal entry, no Customs Broker is involved, and no Entry Number is generated.
• Paperwork: The driver should present the ACE lead sheet and be prepared to show the export/refusal paperwork to the officer.

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