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Change in Lufthansa Cargo process

Topic:
US Customs: ACAS Vague and Unacceptable Commodity Descriptions
Affected export region(s):
Worldwide
Affected import region(s):
USA
Product:
all
What is changing:

On 09/04/2024, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has implemented nationwide rejection of vague descriptions in Air Cargo Advance Screening (ACAS). Prior to issuing rejections, CBP has implemented a 30-day warning period, which will end on October 06, 2024, to give filers an opportunity to improve the data quality provided to the CBP. Rejections will be effective on October 07, 2024. 

19 CFR § 122.48b(d) uses the same definitions for data elements outlined in 19 CFR § 122.48a, requiring a “precise cargo description or the 6-digit Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS)”. CBP is aiming to address vague cargo descriptions including, but not limited to, “gift”, “daily necessities”, “accessories”, “parts” and “consolidated”. “Consolidated” is only acceptable at the master bill level. Carriers and other parties electing to file ACAS data to CBP are required to provide a precise description of the cargo.  

Reason:
Security
To-do for customer:

With immediate effect, please ensure that clear and concise commodity descriptions are transmitted in the FWB (XFWB) message and/ or FHL (XFZB) prior to cargo acceptance. 

As of October 07, 2024 shipments to or via US with vague or unacceptable commodity descriptions will not be accepted by LCAG. 

Lufthansa Cargo encourages the customers to start using 6-digit Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), whenever available for shipments to or via the USA. 

A non-exhaustive list of unacceptable cargo descriptions can be found on the CBP website at: Examples of Unacceptable vs Acceptable Cargo Descriptions | U.S. Customs and Border Protection (cbp.gov). This list is not a specific itemized list, will continue to evolve, and contains some generic examples which will require programming (e.g. cannot be only numerical values or special characters, must be in English, cannot be a brand name only, etc.). A warning or rejection notification may be sent by customs for a vague description that is not specified on the list.

In case of disregard:
  • Increased waiting times in the export acceptance process
  • No acceptance of shipments
  • Potential delay
Valid from:
9/19/24, 12:00 AM
Valid until:
Contact:
Your local sales office
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