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	<h1>Entry Number Explained ~~(CBP Form 7501)~~</h1>		<h1>Entry Number Explained</h1>
	<p>The unique 11-digit identifier assigned by a customs broker to a specific commercial shipment entering the United States.</p>		<p>The unique 11-digit identifier assigned by a customs broker to a specific commercial shipment entering the United States.</p>
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Admin: Created page with "{{note|This article is part of the Customs Glossary Guide|info}}

Entry Number Explained (CBP Form 7501)

The unique 11-digit identifier assigned by a customs broker to a specific commercial shipment entering the United States.

Format: 11 Digits (XXX-NNNNNNN-C)
2026-02-17T18:21:58Z

Created page with "{{note|This article is part of the Customs Glossary Guide|info}} <div class="bc-wrap"> <div class="bc-article-hero"> <h1>Entry Number Explained (CBP Form 7501)</h1> <p>The unique 11-digit identifier assigned by a customs broker to a specific commercial shipment entering the United States.</p> <div class="bc-article-meta"> <span class="bc-article-pill"><i class="fas fa-hashtag"></i> Format: 11 Digits (XXX-NNNNNNN-C)</span> <span class="bc-artic..."

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{{note|This article is part of the [[Customs_Glossary_Guide|Customs Glossary Guide]]|info}}
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<h1>Entry Number Explained (CBP Form 7501)</h1>
<p>The unique 11-digit identifier assigned by a customs broker to a specific commercial shipment entering the United States.</p>
<div class="bc-article-meta">
<span class="bc-article-pill"><i class="fas fa-hashtag"></i> Format: 11 Digits (XXX-NNNNNNN-C)</span>
<span class="bc-article-pill"><i class="fas fa-file-invoice"></i> Document: CBP Form 7501</span>
<span class="bc-article-pill"><i class="fas fa-link"></i> Linked To: PAPS / SCAC</span>
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<h2 style="margin-top: 0;">What is an Entry Number?</h2>

<p>An <strong>Entry Number</strong> is a unique reference number assigned to a commercial import transaction by the Customs Broker (or self-filing importer). It serves as the common link between the physical cargo, the carrier's manifest, and the customs duty payment.</p>

<p>This number appears on <strong>CBP Form 7501 (Entry Summary)</strong> and <strong>CBP Form 3461 (Immediate Delivery)</strong>. For carriers, this is the number the broker will provide to confirm that the customs entry has been filed.</p>

<div class="bc-did-you-know">
<strong>PAPS vs. Entry Number:</strong><br>
* <strong>PAPS Number (SCAC + Pro):</strong> The <em>Carrier's</em> tracking number for the manifest.
* <strong>Entry Number:</strong> The <em>Broker's</em> file number for the duties/taxes.
* <strong>The Connection:</strong> The broker enters the carrier's PAPS number onto their Entry. When CBP sees the match in their system, the shipment is released.
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<h2 style="margin-top: 40px; border-bottom: 2px solid #eee; padding-bottom: 10px;">History & Evolution</h2>

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<p>The Entry Number has evolved from a simple manual tracking method to a sophisticated digital key used in global trade compliance.</p>

<h3>1984: The Digital Dawn (ACS)</h3>
<p>Before the mid-80s, customs entries were largely paper-based and processed manually. In <strong>1984</strong>, U.S. Customs launched the <strong>Automated Commercial System (ACS)</strong>, allowing brokers to transmit entry data electronically for the first time. This marked the beginning of the "Filer Code" system to identify who was submitting the data.</p>

<h3>1986: Standardization (The 11-Digit Format)</h3>
<p>On <strong>October 1, 1986</strong>, U.S. Customs implemented the standardized 11-digit format (<code>XXX-NNNNNNN-C</code>) that is still in use today. Before this, numbering systems varied more widely. This change forced all brokers and self-filers to use a unique <strong>3-digit Filer Code</strong> assigned by Customs, ensuring no two brokers could accidentally assign the same transaction number.</p>

<h3>2016: The Shift to ACE</h3>
<p>While electronic filing existed under ACS, it wasn't until the full implementation of the <strong>Automated Commercial Environment (ACE)</strong> around 2016 that electronic "Entry Summary" filing became mandatory for all filers. This transition effectively retired the old ACS system and made the 11-digit Entry Number the universal digital link for all U.S. government agencies (FDA, DOT, EPA, etc.).</p>
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<h2 style="margin-top: 40px; border-bottom: 2px solid #eee; padding-bottom: 10px;">Anatomy of the 11-Digit Code</h2>

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<p>Every Entry Number follows a strict 11-character format defined by <strong>19 CFR 142.3a</strong>. It is typically written as <code>XXX-NNNNNNN-C</code>.</p>

<table class="wikitable" style="width: 100%;">
<tr>
<th style="width: 20%;">Segment</th>
<th style="width: 20%;">Length</th>
<th>Description</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Filer Code</strong></td>
<td>3 Characters</td>
<td>A unique alphanumeric code assigned by CBP to the specific <strong>Customs Broker</strong> or self-filing importer (e.g., <code>231</code>, <code>W45</code>). This identifies <em>who</em> filed the entry.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Transaction No.</strong></td>
<td>7 Digits</td>
<td>A unique sequence number assigned by the broker to identify the specific shipment. Brokers cannot reuse this number for multiple transactions.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Check Digit</strong></td>
<td>1 Digit</td>
<td>A mathematical validation number (0-9) calculated using a specific formula to prevent data entry errors. If you type the first 10 digits correctly, the 11th digit ensures the number is valid.</td>
</tr>
</table>
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<h2 style="margin-top: 40px; border-bottom: 2px solid #eee; padding-bottom: 10px;">Using Entry Numbers in BorderConnect</h2>

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<p>While the <strong>PAPS Number</strong> is mandatory for your eManifest, adding the <strong>Entry Number</strong> is optional but highly recommended for visibility.</p>

<h3>Why Enter It?</h3>
<p>Entering the Entry Number in the <strong>Shipment</strong> section of your ACE Manifest allows BorderConnect to query the status of that specific entry. This can help you detect "Entry Not Found" issues <em>before</em> your driver reaches the border.</p>

<h3>How to Enter It</h3>
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1. Open your <strong>ACE eManifest</strong>.
2. Navigate to the <strong>Shipment</strong> section.
3. Locate the <strong>Broker / Entry Number</strong> field.
4. Enter the full 11-digit number (no dashes required).
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<strong>Common Error: "Entry Not Found"</strong><br>
If you enter an Entry Number and see a status of "Entry Not Found," it usually means the broker has not yet transmitted the data to CBP, <strong>OR</strong> there is a mismatch between the PAPS number you have and the one the broker filed.
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<h2 style="margin-top: 40px; border-bottom: 2px solid #eee; padding-bottom: 10px;">Types of Entries</h2>

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<p>The Entry Number is used for various types of customs transactions. The most common for highway carriers include:</p>

<ul class="bc-cleanlist">
<li><strong>Type 01 (Consumption):</strong> Standard commercial import for goods staying in the U.S.</li>
<li><strong>Type 11 (Informal):</strong> For lower-value shipments (usually under $2,500).</li>
<li><strong>Type 06 (FTZ):</strong> For goods moving into a Foreign Trade Zone.</li>
<li><strong>Type 86 (Section 321):</strong> For low-value e-commerce shipments filed via ABI.</li>
</ul>
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[[Category:Definitions]]
[[Category:Customs Documents]]

Entry Number - Revision history

Admin at 18:22, 17 February 2026

Entry Number Explained (CBP Form 7501)