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{{note|This article is part of the BorderConnect [[US_In_Bond_Manager_Guide_(CBP)|U.S. In-Bond Manager Guide]]|info}}
{{note|This article is part of the BorderConnect [[US_In_Bond_Manager_Guide_(CBP)|U.S. In-Bond Manager Guide]]|info}}
{{#ev:youtube|-O8AXA9ms5c|360|right|How to Use BorderConnect's In-Bond Manager}}
{{#ev:youtube|-O8AXA9ms5c|960|center|How to Use BorderConnect's In-Bond Manager}}
This guide offers instructions on using BorderConnect's '''U.S In-Bond Manager''' Add-On. [https://borderconnect.com/us-in-bond-manager/index.htm BorderConnect U.S. In-Bond Manager] allows users to electronically report in-bond arrivals, exports, and port diversions to [[US Customs and Border Protection - General Information |US Customs and Border Protection]]. It provides greater visibility of in-bond shipments through the use of the included In-Bond Status Query feature.
== Introduction ==
The '''BorderConnect U.S. In-Bond Manager''' is an add-on module that allows users to electronically file, update, and monitor U.S. in-bond shipments directly with [[US Customs and Border Protection - General Information|U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)]]. The module supports required electronic reporting of in-bond '''arrivals''', '''exports''', '''diversions''', and related updates through ACE, while also providing visibility into in-bond status through integrated In-Bond Status Queries.
New regulations were announced by CBP in 2017 concerning electronic reporting of In-Bond shipments.<ref>https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2017/09/28/2017-20495/changes-to-the-in-bond-process</ref> These regulations were enforced on July 29, 2019.<ref>https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDHSCBP/bulletins/24effce</ref>
This guide explains the regulatory background, compliance requirements, and how to use BorderConnect’s In-Bond Manager to meet CBP’s electronic in-bond obligations.
Currently, carriers with an In-Bond shipment can present a paper 7512 copy of the in-bond to CBP at the destination port, and officers will arrive and/or export the in-bond for the carrier. This "closes" or "cancels" the in-bond out, completing the bonded movement and making sure the carrier doesn't get penalized for an overdue in-bond.
----
Under the new regulations, carriers will instead be required to electronically report the arrival and export of the in-bond shipment. In-bond port diversions are also required to be reported electronically. BorderConnect's U.S. In-Bond Manager uses CBP's Automated Broker Interface to allow carriers, freight forwarders, U.S. Bonded warehouses, and other affected parties to meet the new electronic reporting requirement.
== Introduction ==
;'''Notable Changes To The In-Bond Process'''
CBP published a final rule in 2017 that modernized the U.S. in-bond process and expanded mandatory electronic reporting through ACE (Automated Commercial Environment).<ref name="FR_InBond_FinalRule_2017">https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2017-20495.pdf</ref>
:1. Electronic reporting of in-bond arrival and export is mandatory. CBP will no longer accept a paper 7512 copy of the in-bond to perform arrival and export functionality. Electronic reporting must be conducted through a CBP approved EDI system.
CBP later announced enforcement requiring that '''all covered in-bond arrivals, exports, and diversions be reported electronically through ACE effective July 29, 2019'''. As of that date, CBP no longer accepts paper '''CBP Form 7512''' to perform arrival or export reporting for covered shipments (with limited exemptions, such as air mode).<ref name="CSMS_Enforcement_2019_07_29">https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDHSCBP/bulletins/24effce</ref>
:2. In-bond arrival or export must be reported within 2 business days of the event.
:3. In-bond diversions must also be requested electronically rather than making the request to the CBP port.
:4. A FIRMS code is now required in order to report the arrival of the in-bond.
:5. Carriers have a standard 30 day maximum transit time for all modes of transport except pipeline and barge traffic.
:6. Elimination of the paper 7512 document. (But as there are numerous exceptions to this rule, it is recommended that a paper 7512 still be produced and used as in the past in case it is required.)
Please see the New In-Bond Regulations FAQ at the bottom of this page for further information.
While paper documentation may still be used for local port operations or as supporting paperwork, '''electronic reporting is the compliance requirement'''. Paper documents do not replace required ACE updates.<ref name="CSMS_Enforcement_2019_07_29" />
== Registering for BorderConnect U.S. In-Bond Manager and Getting Started ==
----
If your company doesn't already have an account with BorderConnect, go to [https://www.borderconnect.com www.borderconnect.com] and click Sign Up Now. Enter your company details and finish the registration. Then, follow the instructions below.
== Key In-Bond Compliance Requirements ==
;'''If you DO NOT have a filer code.'''
{| class="wikitable"
! Requirement !! CBP Rule / Guidance
|-
| Electronic reporting || Required for arrivals, exports, and diversions
|-
| Arrival reporting deadline || Within '''2 business days''' of arrival
|-
| Export reporting deadline || Generally within '''2 business days''' of export
| Diversions || Must be requested electronically and approved by CBP
|-
| Maximum transit time || '''30 days''' (with limited regulatory exceptions)
|}
:1. Contact us, we'll help you submit a Letter of Intent.
----
:2. In approximately 2 weeks, U.S. Customs and Border Protection will issue you a filer code. Please note that processing times can vary according to the volume that CBP is currently handling.
:3. Our CBP client representative will set up your filer code to work with BorderConnect for In-Bond only filing. You can now begin using the BorderConnect ABI add-on.
;'''If you already have a filer code.'''
=== Notable regulatory changes ===
: Our CBP client representative will set up your filer code to work with BorderConnect for In-Bond only filing.
# '''Electronic filing is mandatory.''' All covered in-bond updates must be transmitted through a CBP-approved electronic interface (ACE/ABI/EDI).<ref name="CFR_Part18_PDF_2024">https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2024-title19-vol1/pdf/CFR-2024-title19-vol1-part18.pdf</ref>
# '''Arrival reporting within 2 business days.''' Arrival notifications must include the '''FIRMS code''' identifying the physical location of the goods at the port.<ref name="CFR_19_18_1_Cornell">https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/19/18.1</ref>
# '''Electronic export reporting required.''' Export updates must be transmitted electronically for covered shipments.<ref name="CFR_19_18_7_Cornell">https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/19/18.7</ref>
# '''Electronic diversion requests required.''' Diversions require CBP authorization via a CBP-approved EDI interface.<ref name="CFR_Part18_PDF_2024" />
# '''FIRMS code enforcement.''' As of '''August 10, 2024''', ACE rejects in-bond arrival transactions submitted without a FIRMS code (all modes except air).<ref name="CSMS_FIRMS_Required_2024_08_10">https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDHSCBP/bulletins/3b37839</ref>
# '''30-day transit limit.''' Most in-bond movements are subject to a 30-day maximum transit time.<ref name="FR_InBond_FinalRule_2017" />
The In-Bond Dashboard provides complete visibility for U.S. in-bond shipments. Track in-bonds from filing to closing using advanced search options. See status of in-bonds at a glance and drill in to advanced reports and actions from one screen. Verify in-bonds were successfully reported and get in-bond details directly from CBP with In-Bond Status Query.
{{#ev:youtube|c1Hb4UE0kDM|360|right|BorderConnect Virtual Workshop – U.S. In-Bond Manager}}
If your company does not already have a BorderConnect account, visit [https://www.borderconnect.com www.borderconnect.com] and complete the registration process.
'''[[Reporting_In_Bond_Arrivals_and_Exports_(U.S._In-Bond_Manager)|Reporting In-Bond Arrivals and Exports (U.S. In-Bond Manager)]]'''
=== Step 2: Filer code setup ===
Electronically arrive and export your U.S. in-bonds with minimal data entry. BorderConnect provides a fast and easy way to meet CBP's new in-bond requirements. Diverting in-bonds used to be a manual process that involved contacting the originating CBP port. With new electronic diversions, changing ports is a 1 minute process from request to approval.
;'''If you do not have a filer code'''
:# Contact BorderConnect support for assistance submitting a Letter of Intent.
:# CBP will issue a filer code (processing times vary).
:# A BorderConnect representative will configure your filer code for in-bond-only filing.
== QP In-Bond Filing Instructions ==
;'''If you already have a filer code'''
: BorderConnect will configure your existing filer code for use with the U.S. In-Bond Manager.
'''[[Creating_and_Submitting_a_New_QP_In-Bond_(U.S._In-Bond_Manager)|Creating and submitting a new QP In-Bond (U.S. In-Bond Manager)]]'''
Once configured, your account will be enabled to transmit electronic in-bond messages through ACE.
Electronically file a QP In-Bond using BorderConnect U.S. In-Bond Manager.
----
== BorderConnect U.S. In-Bond Manager Menu ==
== In-Bond Dashboard Overview ==
Displays all options in BorderConnect's U.S. In-Bond Manager. Options will only be available if your account has already been set up for BorderConnect's In-Bond Manager as above.
The In-Bond Dashboard is the central workspace for managing U.S. in-bond shipments. From this page, users can:
;'''In-Bond Dashboard'''
* Search and filter in-bond shipments
: This is the main listing page for all of your in-bond shipments. It shows a list of in-bond reports, summarizing all known information for a given in-bond, including in-bond status, in-bond type, and port information.
* View in-bond status at a glance
* Confirm whether arrivals, exports, or diversions were successfully reported
* Access related status queries and notices
* Drill into shipment-level details
=== In-Bond Status Queries ===
----
;'''In-Bond Status Query Search'''
== Reporting In-Bond Arrivals and Exports ==
: This page allows users to view in-bond status queries and see their responses from CBP. Please note that that in-bond status query results are also grouped and summarized in the in-bond reports available on the In-Bond Dashboard.
;'''Send In-Bond Status Query'''
: This page allows users send status queries for in-bond shipments. On this page, users can enter in-bond entry numbers and send requests to CBP to gather up-to-date information on specific in-bonds. Responses will be shown on the In-Bond Status Query Search page.
=== WP Send Requests ===
[[File:Wp-in-bond-arrival.png|thumb|400|right|Reporting an in-bond arrival]]
WP is the message type used to electronically report in-bond arrival, export, port diversion, or transfer of liability to CBP.
'''[[Reporting_In_Bond_Arrivals_and_Exports_(U.S._In-Bond_Manager)|Reporting In-Bond Arrivals and Exports]]'''
;'''WP Send Request Search'''
BorderConnect allows users to electronically report in-bond arrivals and exports with minimal data entry.
: This page helps users search for previous WP send requests. Please note that that WP requests and results are also grouped and summarized in the in-bond reports available on the In-Bond Dashboard.
;'''Arrive Entire In-Bond'''
: Notifies CBP that the in-bond shipment has arrived at the destination (far side) port specified on the in-bond. Using this option will arrive the entire in-bond, even if it consists of multiple bills of lading and/or containers.
;'''Arrive Bill of Lading'''
: Notifies CBP that one of the bills on lading of an in-bond shipment has arrived at the destination (far side) port specified on the in-bond. Using this option will arrive only one bill of lading on the in-bond, though if the in-bond only consists of a single bill of lading, this will still have the effect of arriving the entire in-bond.
;'''Arrive Container'''
: Notifies CBP that one of the containers on an in-bond shipment has arrived at the destination (far side) port specified on the in-bond. Using this option will arrive only one container on the in-bond, though if the in-bond only consists of a single container, this will still have the effect of arriving the entire in-bond.
;'''Export Entire In-Bond'''
: Notifies CBP that the in-bond shipment has left the US. Using this option will export the entire in-bond, even if it consists of multiple bills of lading and/or containers.
;'''Export Bill of Lading'''
: Notifies CBP that one of the bills on lading of an in-bond shipment has left the US. Using this option will export only one bill of lading on the in-bond, though if the in-bond only consists of a single bill of lading, this will still have the effect of exporting the entire in-bond.
;'''Export Container'''
: Notifies CBP that one of the containers on an in-bond shipment has left the US. Using this option will export only one container on the in-bond, though if the in-bond only consists of a single container, this will still have the effect of exporting the entire in-bond.
;'''Port Diversion'''
: Requests a change to the destination port of and in-bond shipment.
;'''Transfer Liability'''
: Transfers the liability for the in-bond shipment from the currently obligated party to a new one. This option should not be used without an understanding of when it is permitted by CBP.
== U.S. In-Bond Manager Software User Guide ==
* Arrivals must generally be reported within '''2 business days''' of arrival at the destination or export port.<ref name="CFR_19_18_1_Cornell" />
* Arrival transactions must include the correct '''FIRMS code''' for the facility where the freight is physically located.
* As of '''August 10, 2024''', ACE rejects arrival updates submitted without a FIRMS code (all modes except air).<ref name="CSMS_FIRMS_Required_2024_08_10" />
* [[In-Bond_Status_Notifications_Page_(U.S._In-Bond_Manager)|In-Bond Status Notifications Page]]
* [[In-Bond_Status_Notification_Details_Page_(U.S._In-Bond_Manager)|In-Bond Status Notification Details Page]]
'''Data Management'''
Use BorderConnect’s U.S. In-Bond Manager to electronically file QP (Quick Processing) in-bond entries directly with CBP, including associated bills of lading and commodities.
* [[Send_In-Bond_Port_Diversion_Page_(U.S._In-Bond_Manager)|Send In-Bond Port Diversion Page]]
* [[Send_In-Bond_Transfer_of_Liability_Page_(U.S._In-Bond_Manager)|Send Transfer of Liability Page]]
== New In-Bond Regulations FAQ ==
[[File:Abi-menu-header.png|524px]]
Below are some of the common questions regarding the changes to the in-bond process. [https://wiki.borderconnect.com/images/4/41/In-bond-regulation-changes-07292019.pdf You can also download a .pdf of the new in-bond requirements here].
=== In-Bond Dashboard ===
Displays all in-bond shipments with summary information such as in-bond type, status, and ports.
'''1. What is changing with the new in-bond regulations on July 29th? What do I have to do differently?'''
=== In-Bond Status Queries ===
* '''Search In-Bond Status Queries''' – View historical queries and CBP responses
* '''Send In-Bond Status Query''' – Request current status from CBP for a specific in-bond
The biggest change is that in-bond arrivals and exports must now be reported electronically. Until this point it was possible to report to CBP with a paper copy of the 7512, and a CBP officer would arrive and export the in-bond for you, “closing” the in-bond. Starting July 29th, 2019, that will no longer be an option. Arrival and export must be reported electronically using a CBP-approved EDI system. In-bond diversions must also be requested electronically.
=== WP Send Requests ===
WP messages are used to electronically report in-bond updates to CBP.
'''2. Does this mean I won’t have to stop at the CBP port anymore?'''
It’s possible that you would still need to report in to CBP at the port if the goods in your shipment are regulated by other government departments or CBP policy otherwise requires it. But if the purpose of stopping at the CBP port is only to report the arrival and export of the in-bond, then you would not
need to stop.
'''3. Whose responsibility is electronic reporting of arrival and export?'''
The carrier whose bond is obligated on the in-bond shipment is ultimately responsible for ensuring that the in-bond is arrived and, if required, exported. The arrival and export reporting may be done by any authorized agent of the responsible carrier, but the responsibility and liability is still always on the bond holder.
'''4. What are my options for electronic reporting of in-bond arrival and export?'''
'''There are four options:'''
*Using a CBP-approved QP/WP program. BorderConnect’s U.S. In-Bond Manager (ABI In-Bonds) is CBP-approved for this purpose and allows clients to arrive and export their in-bonds.
*Contracting an agent to arrive and export in-bonds for you. Anyone with access to a QP/WP system can report in-bond arrival and export on your behalf if they have a letter of authorization from you to do so.
*In cases where the in-bond is linked to an ACE eManifest that you have access to, you can use the eManifest to do the electronic reporting. In BorderConnect, these options are available on the shipment details page.
*Using the ACE Portal. Any carrier with an ACE Portal account can use its in-bond arrival and export functionality.
'''5. I’m already arriving and exporting my in-bonds using ACE eManifest. Am I all set?'''
That depends. You are meeting your electronic reporting requirements for those in-bonds that you’re handling that way. But if you ever pick up in-bond shipments within the U.S., there would be no ACE eManifest for you to use for reporting, so you would need to use one of the other options above instead. You would also need to use another option if another party did the ACE eManifest, since you wouldn’t have access to it in that case. We would recommend getting set up for BorderConnect’s U.S. In-Bond Manager either way, so that you are set up to handle electronic reporting for any and all cases.
'''6. What is in-bond arrival? When does it take place, and when is it required to be reported?'''
In-bonds of type 61 (Immediate Transportation) and 62 (Transportation and Exportation) cover the movement of a shipment through the U.S., beginning at an originating port and ending at a destination port. In-Bond arrival takes place when the shipment reaches the destination port. Arrival of the in-bond must be reported to CBP within 2 business days after it has taken place. For an Immediate Transportation in-bond, this completes the in-bond move and “closes” the in-bond.
'''7. What is in-bond export? When does it take place, and when is it required to be reported?'''
In-bonds of type 62 (Transportation and Exportation) and 63 (Immediate Export) cover the movement of a shipment that is destined outside of the U.S. Export of the in-bond takes place when the shipment has physically left the U.S., or when the shipment is located where exportation is reasonably assured. For example at a seaport, airport or rail location and under control of the exporting carrier. Export of the in-bond must be reported to CBP within 2 business days after it has taken place. For in-bonds of type Transportation and Exportation and Immediate Export, this completes the in-bond move and “closes” the in-bond. Please note that a Transportation and Exportation in-bond must be arrived prior to being exported. (See above.)
'''8. Can you take me through all of the statuses in the in-bond process?'''
Sure, there are 5 main statuses an in-bond takes on during the in-bond process:
*'''On File:''' An in-bond will have this status when it has first been created, but before the shipment enters the U.S.
*'''Enroute:''' An in-bond will attain Enroute status either when the shipment first enters the U.S., or immediately when the in-bond is created if it is for a bonded warehouse or foreign trade zone withdrawal. Enroute signifies that the in-bond movement from the originating port to the destination port has begun. In-bond shipments have a maximum of 30 days to reach their destination, after which they will be overdue.
*'''Arrived:''' An in-bond will attain Arrived status once it has reached its destination port in the U.S., and its arrival has been electronically reported to CBP. For in-bonds of type Immediate Transportation, this completes the in-bond process and the in-bond is now considered “closed”.
*'''Exported:''' An in-bond will attain Exported status once it has left the U.S., and its export has been electronically reported to CBP. The export can also be reported when the shipment is located where exportation is reasonably assured. For example at a seaport, airport or rail location and under control of the exporting carrier. For in-bonds of type Transportation and Exportation and type Immediate Export, this completes the in-bond process and the in-bond is now considered “closed”.
*'''Concluded:''' It is common practice in some situations, including in-bond shipments destined to Mexico, for the in-bond to be acquitted by the filing of a subsequent in-bond. In this case, your in-bond will still show as being in Arrived status, but you can use the Check For Subsequent In-Bond feature in BorderConnect’s U.S. In-Bond Manager to verify that a subsequent in-bond has been filed. This will cause your in-bond to be marked as Concluded, because the filing of the subsequent in-bond will transfer the liability from your in-bond and complete the in-bond process. Your in-bond will be considered “closed”.
'''9. What about the new FIRMS code requirement for arrival reporting? What is a FIRMS code, and how do I know which one to use?'''
The in-bond regulation changes also mandate that a FIRMS code must be included when reporting the arrival of an in-bond. The FIRMS code tells CBP more specifically where the in-bond shipment has arrived. Where the port code tells CBP the general area, the FIRMS code tells them the specific facility the goods have arrived at. The FIRMS code you use must always be associated to the destination port of the in-bond.
Depending on the type of in-bond movement, the FIRMS code you need to use may refer to different types of facilities:
*A CBP port facility. This would be used in cases where you’re reporting the arrival of an in-bond that has already left the U.S., such as a Transportation and Exportation in-bond that has already crossed into Canada. The appropriate CBP port facility would be that of the port of exit from the U.S.
*A U.S. bonded warehouse or foreign trade zone. Applicable whenever the in-bond movement covers delivery to one of these two types of facility.
*An airport, seaport, or other secure carrier facility.
BorderConnect’s U.S. In-Bond Manager provides several convenience features to make it easier to find the appropriate FIRMS code. FIRMS codes can be selected by name or address when known, or by entering the port code of the destination port to see all FIRMS codes available for that port.
'''10. A customs broker is setting up my in-bonds for me. Doesn’t that mean they’ll be handling the arrival and export reporting for me too?'''
Many customs brokers may offer this as an additional service, but they are not required to do so. You would need to check in with them to determine if it’s a service they offer, what rates they charge, and what their requirements are.
'''11. Another carrier has offered to handle electronic reporting for me. Is that okay?'''
Yes, carriers, freight forwarders, and bonded warehouses may offer to handle electronic reporting for carriers they are doing business with. If they have access to a CBP-approved EDI system and you provide them with a letter of authorization, they can handle reporting for you.
'''12. Okay, so I’m having someone else handle electronic reporting of arrivals and exports for me. Is there any way for me to check their work so that I don’t end up with a surprise penalty?'''
Yes. BorderConnect’s U.S. In-Bond Manager offers an in-bond status query feature that allows you to verify the current status of your in-bond with CBP. The status query response would also allow you to verify other details such as the in-bond originating and destination ports, and the quantity. For in-bonds destined to Mexico, it also allows you to verify that a subsequent in-bond has been filed, so that your in-bond is no longer liable.
'''13. What about in-bond diversions? What are the new requirements there?'''
An in-bond diversion occurs when a carrier wants to change the in-bond destination from one port to another. Previously, the carrier could contact the CBP port to request permission to divert the in-bond. These requests must now be done electronically instead. A CBP-approved QP/WP program such as BorderConnect’s U.S. In-Bond Manager allows carriers to make these electronic diversion requests.
* '''Arrive Entire In-Bond''' – Report arrival of the full in-bond
* '''Arrive Bill of Lading''' – Report arrival of a single bill
* '''Arrive Container''' – Report arrival of a container
* '''Export Entire In-Bond''' – Report export of the in-bond
* '''Export Bill of Lading''' – Report export of a bill
* '''Export Container''' – Report export of a container
* '''Port Diversion''' – Request a change to the destination or export port
* '''Transfer Liability''' – Transfer in-bond liability to another party (use with caution)
'''14. Is it true the paper 7512 copy of the in-bond is being eliminated?'''
Electronic reporting of these updates is required for covered shipments.<ref name="CSMS_Enforcement_2019_07_29" />
The paper 7512 can no longer be presented to CBP to arrive and export an in-bond, and the regulations do include the elimination of the paper 7512. However, there are numerous exceptions to this, including shipments moving by air, the requirements of specific CBP ports, and as part of bonded warehouse and foreign trade zone movements. As such, we recommend continuing to keep a paper 7512 copy with the shipment unless you’re able to specifically rule out the possibility that it will be needed at some point in the process.
----
'''15. What about the new HTS requirement for Immediate Transportation in-bonds?'''
== Frequently Asked Questions ==
The regulations will require all types of in-bonds to include a six digit Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) number when they are filed, including in-bond types that didn’t previously require an HTS number such as Immediate Transportation. (Transportation and Exportation in-bonds have always required HTS.) This
'''Do I still need paper CBP Form 7512?'''
part of the in-bond regulation changes is not yet being enforced though, and currently no date has been set for enforcement.
CBP no longer accepts paper Form 7512 to perform arrival or export reporting for covered shipments. Some ports may still request paper copies for operational purposes, but electronic reporting remains mandatory.<ref name="CSMS_Enforcement_2019_07_29" />
'''16. How can I sign up for BorderConnect’s U.S. In-Bond Manager?'''
'''Does electronic reporting eliminate all port stops?'''
Not always. Electronic reporting may remove stops made solely for arrival/export posting, but inspections, holds, or local port procedures may still require presentation.
In order to use our U.S. In-Bond Manager, you will need a filer code issued by CBP. BorderConnect will work with you to create a Letter of Intent to submit to CBP, which will result in you being issued a filer code and being set up to use our system. This process can take several weeks depending on the current volume that CBP is processing. Because of this we recommend you apply as soon as possible.
'''Who is responsible for compliance?'''
The bond-obligated party remains responsible, even when filing is delegated to an authorized agent.<ref name="FR_InBond_FinalRule_2017" />
If you already have a filer code, we can help you work with your CBP Client Rep to set it up to work with
The BorderConnect U.S. In-Bond Manager is an add-on module that allows users to electronically file, update, and monitor U.S. in-bond shipments directly with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The module supports required electronic reporting of in-bond arrivals, exports, diversions, and related updates through ACE, while also providing visibility into in-bond status through integrated In-Bond Status Queries.
This guide explains the regulatory background, compliance requirements, and how to use BorderConnect’s In-Bond Manager to meet CBP’s electronic in-bond obligations.
Introduction
CBP published a final rule in 2017 that modernized the U.S. in-bond process and expanded mandatory electronic reporting through ACE (Automated Commercial Environment).[1]
CBP later announced enforcement requiring that all covered in-bond arrivals, exports, and diversions be reported electronically through ACE effective July 29, 2019. As of that date, CBP no longer accepts paper CBP Form 7512 to perform arrival or export reporting for covered shipments (with limited exemptions, such as air mode).[2]
While paper documentation may still be used for local port operations or as supporting paperwork, electronic reporting is the compliance requirement. Paper documents do not replace required ACE updates.[2]
Key In-Bond Compliance Requirements
Requirement
CBP Rule / Guidance
Electronic reporting
Required for arrivals, exports, and diversions
Arrival reporting deadline
Within 2 business days of arrival
Export reporting deadline
Generally within 2 business days of export
FIRMS code
Mandatory for arrival reporting (all modes except air)
Diversions
Must be requested electronically and approved by CBP
Maximum transit time
30 days (with limited regulatory exceptions)
Notable regulatory changes
Electronic filing is mandatory. All covered in-bond updates must be transmitted through a CBP-approved electronic interface (ACE/ABI/EDI).[3]
Arrival reporting within 2 business days. Arrival notifications must include the FIRMS code identifying the physical location of the goods at the port.[4]
Electronic export reporting required. Export updates must be transmitted electronically for covered shipments.[5]
Electronic diversion requests required. Diversions require CBP authorization via a CBP-approved EDI interface.[3]
FIRMS code enforcement. As of August 10, 2024, ACE rejects in-bond arrival transactions submitted without a FIRMS code (all modes except air).[6]
30-day transit limit. Most in-bond movements are subject to a 30-day maximum transit time.[1]
Use BorderConnect’s U.S. In-Bond Manager to electronically file QP (Quick Processing) in-bond entries directly with CBP, including associated bills of lading and commodities.
U.S. In-Bond Manager Menu Overview
In-Bond Dashboard
Displays all in-bond shipments with summary information such as in-bond type, status, and ports.
In-Bond Status Queries
Search In-Bond Status Queries – View historical queries and CBP responses
Send In-Bond Status Query – Request current status from CBP for a specific in-bond
WP Send Requests
WP messages are used to electronically report in-bond updates to CBP.
Arrive Entire In-Bond – Report arrival of the full in-bond
Arrive Bill of Lading – Report arrival of a single bill
Arrive Container – Report arrival of a container
Export Entire In-Bond – Report export of the in-bond
Export Bill of Lading – Report export of a bill
Export Container – Report export of a container
Port Diversion – Request a change to the destination or export port
Transfer Liability – Transfer in-bond liability to another party (use with caution)
Electronic reporting of these updates is required for covered shipments.[2]
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I still need paper CBP Form 7512?
CBP no longer accepts paper Form 7512 to perform arrival or export reporting for covered shipments. Some ports may still request paper copies for operational purposes, but electronic reporting remains mandatory.[2]
Does electronic reporting eliminate all port stops?
Not always. Electronic reporting may remove stops made solely for arrival/export posting, but inspections, holds, or local port procedures may still require presentation.
Who is responsible for compliance?
The bond-obligated party remains responsible, even when filing is delegated to an authorized agent.[1]
