🔖 This article is part of the Customs Compliance Guide

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

Understanding the role, regulations, and requirements of the U.S. customs enforcement agency.

Type: Regulatory Body Region: United States

Overview

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) seal

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is the federal law enforcement agency responsible for customs services in the United States. As such, all individuals and all goods entering the United States must be authorized to do so by CBP at the first point of entry.

Being familiar with CBP regulations and procedures is a must for highway carriers crossing the border, as non-compliance can result in delays, penalties, seizures, and refused entry.

Compliance Solution: Carriers can file ACE eManifests through a service provider, such as BorderConnect, or through the ACE Secure Data Portal.

Core Requirements for Carriers

Highway carriers bringing commercial goods into the United States must adhere to specific registration and reporting mandates.

Requirement	Description
SCAC	Standard Carrier Alpha Code. Motor carriers operating in the U.S. are required to maintain a SCAC. The National Motor Freight Traffic Association issues the SCAC, which is used to identify the carrier to CBP.
Customs Clearance	Goods must be customs cleared (usually via PAPS) or authorized to move in bond. Exceptions exist for specific shipment clearance types. Moving goods in bond also requires a formal process.
ACE eManifest	Highway carriers must transmit ACE eManifest data to CBP at least one hour prior to arriving at the border. This allows CBP to risk-assess cargo before it reaches the port of entry.

Trusted Trader Programs

Participation in these programs can expedite border processing and reduce inspection rates.

Program	Description
C-TPAT	Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism. A program in which member carriers and importers agree to implement high security standards in exchange for being recognized by CBP as low risk. This can entail fewer CBP inspections. C-TPAT approval is a prerequisite for FAST eligibility into the U.S.
FAST	Free and Secure Trade. A joint initiative between CBP and CBSA. Carriers that are FAST approved for the U.S. are able to transport FAST shipments and utilize dedicated lanes and front-of-line processing.

Glossary of Terms

ACE eManifest Terms

Term	Definition
ACE	Automated Commercial Environment. The CBP system designed to facilitate legitimate trade and strengthen border security.
eManifest	Electronic document used by CBP to risk assess commercial goods bound for the United States based on information provided ahead of time by the carrier.
Trip / Trip Number	The portion of an eManifest specifying the driver, truck, and trailer arriving in the U.S., as well as the list of shipments. The Trip Number consists of the SCAC followed by a unique carrier-assigned number.
Shipment / SCN	The portion specifying shipper, consignee, and commodity info. The Shipment Control Number (SCN) uniquely identifies the shipment (SCAC + unique number). For PAPS, the SCN is the PAPS Number.
Consignee	For eManifest purposes, this is the "delivery to party" that brings the goods to the United States.
Port of Arrival	The CBP port where the carrier is expected to arrive in the United States.

General Customs Terms

Term	Definition
PAPS	Pre-Arrival Processing System. The default clearance option for commercial goods by truck. It involves having a formal entry accepted by CBP prior to arrival.
In Bond	Goods authorized by CBP to move inland (or transit through the U.S.) without being released.
Customs Broker	Agent authorized to transact business with CBP on behalf of the importer. They prepare formal entries and handle duties/taxes.
Importer	The party responsible for securing the release of goods and the payment of duties and taxes.
Release	Commercial goods that have met import requirements, passed/waived examination, and are authorized to move beyond CBP control.