U.S. Department of Defense Shipment (CBP Shipment Type)
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🔖 This article is part of the Shipment Release Types Guide |
U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) Shipment
A guide to moving military freight, DCMA duty-free certificates, and ACE manifest exemptions.
Overview
A U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) shipment refers to freight moving for, or destined to, a U.S. military department or authorized procurement activity. When properly documented, these shipments are typically entitled to duty-free entry under specific provisions of U.S. Customs law.
The primary legal basis for this duty-free treatment is HTSUS 9808.00.30, which applies to articles imported for the official use of U.S. military departments or as emergency war material. To qualify, the shipment must be supported by a valid Government certification furnished to CBP.
DCMA & PIEE: Certifications are commonly administered by the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA). As of 2023, the old "eTool" system was replaced by the Procurement Integrated Enterprise Environment (PIEE) platform. Brokers now receive tokenized emails from PIEE to generate the required duty-free certificates.
ACE eManifest Requirements
Regulatory Exemption
Under 19 CFR § 123.92(b)(2), shipments imported for the Department of Defense using the 19 CFR 10.102/10.103 release mechanism are technically exempt from the requirement to file an advance electronic truck manifest (ACE eManifest).
Operational Best Practices
Despite the exemption, many carriers and ports prefer an electronic record to expedite processing. If you choose (or are instructed) to file:
- Shipment Type: DOD shipments do not correspond to a standard ACE "Shipment Release Type" (like PAPS).
- Trip-Only Filing: Carriers often transmit a "Trip-Only" or "Empty" manifest to notify CBP of the conveyance's arrival, while the cargo itself is cleared manually.
- Mixed Loads: If the truck carries commercial freight in addition to DOD cargo, the commercial goods must be manifested normally (e.g., as PAPS).
DOD vs. Returned American Products
Do not confuse Government procurement with U.S. goods being returned by private parties. They use different legal authorities.
| Topic | DOD Shipment (9808.00.30) | Returned American Products (9801.00.10) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Government/military procurement | U.S.-origin goods being returned |
| Primary Regulation | 19 CFR 10.102–10.103 | 19 CFR 10.1 |
| Typical Form | DCMA Certificate (via PIEE) | CBP Form 3311 |
| Entry Type | Type 51 (Defense) or 52 (Govt) | Informal (Type 11) or Formal (01) |
Driver Checklist
Before Arriving at the Border
- Paperwork: Ensure you have the Government certification (DCMA/PIEE printout) or specific 19 CFR 10.102 documentation.
- Verbal Declaration: Be prepared to declare the shipment as "Military/DOD Duty-Free" to the officer.
- Manifest Status: Confirm if your dispatch team filed a "Trip Only" manifest or if you are claiming the full regulatory exemption.
- Bill of Lading: Ensure the Bill of Lading clearly names the U.S. Military Department or Government Agency as the ultimate consignee.
References