The US Customs and Border Protection Agency (CBP) is again extending the Air Cargo Advance Screening (ACAS) pilot programme through to July 26, 2016, and is also reopening the application period to accept applications for new ACAS pilot participants through to October 26, 2015.
The ACAS pilot is a voluntary test in which participants submit a subset of required advance air cargo data to CBP at the earliest point practicable prior to loading of the cargo onto the aircraft destined to or transiting through the US.
TIACA is urging industry members to apply to the programme, and “especially encourages†forwarder and airline participants to actively align in specific lanes or markets to fully test the dual filing procedures.
“Dual filing will enable forwarders to file in advance of physically tendering cargo to their carriers, a key benefit in keeping shipments moving smoothly,†it said.
Said CBP: “The ACAS data is used to target high-risk air cargo. CBP is considering possible amendments to the regulations regarding advance information for air cargo.
“The results of the ACAS pilot will help determine the relevant data elements, the time frame within which data must be submitted to permit CBP to effectively target, identify and mitigate any risk with the least impact practicable on trade operations, and any other related procedures and policies.â€
Applications to participate in the ACAS pilot must be submitted via email to CBPCCS@cbp.dhs.gov.