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  • 09 Nov 2018
  • USA
  • #Section 321
  • #USA
  • #ACE
  • #ACE eManifest
  • #US eManifest
  • #USA eManifest
  • #Automated Commercial Environment
  • #Trade
  • #United States Customs and Border Protection

Table of Contents

1. Submitting a Truck Section 321 eManifest

2. Dates to Remember

3. What is Section 321?

4. Truck Section 321 Requirements & Current Filing Rules

   a. Truck eManifest

   b. eManifest Data Elements

   c. eManifest Filing Methods

   d. ACE Secure Data Portal

   e. Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)

   f. Third Party eManifest Filing

5. GeTS Solutions for Truck Section 321 Requirements

News on the Truck Section 321 Requirements from U.S. CBP

 

Last Updated: Nov. 11, 2019    Here's the latest news on the Truck Section 321 requirements from U.S. CBP (Customs and Border Protection) and an update on how to file and maintain compliance with the new truck section 321 requirements. -- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has updated its truck Section 321 requirements. Starting January 1, 2019, all commercial truck shipments containing Section 321 cargo must be accompanied by an advance electronic manifest filing under the guidelines in the Trade Act of 2002. Carriers who fail to comply with truck Section 321 requirements will receive a $5000 monetary penalty for the first offense and $10,000 for subsequent offenses. Here's more on the latest news on the Truck Section 321 requirements from U.S. CBP and an update on how to file and maintain compliance with the new truck section 321 requirements.

Currently, Section 321 shipments are exempt from eManifest filing due to a decision made by the U.S. CBP when the Trade Act was implemented. 

However, the popularity of ecommerce and increase in the de minimis value have led to high volumes of shipments released and manifested as Section 321. Without an advance eManifest, CBP cannot evaluate risks associated with these shipments or conduct advance targeting within the Automated Targeting System (ATS). This leads to slower processing times and delays.

 

 

HOW TO FILE A TRUCK SECTION 321 EMANIFEST

Submitting a Truck Section 321 eManifest is very straightforward for those who are used to electronic filing with CBP. There are multiple ways to submit a Section 321 eManifest, including online through the ACE Web Portal or direct connectivity with CBP through Electronic Data Interchange (EDI). Businesses that prefer not to use the Portal must have an EDI system in-house or an approved third party partner providing connectivity or eManifest filing services.

DATES TO REMEMBER


  • November 26, 2018 - CBP will begin a phased period for noncompliance involving conveyances referred to secondary for processing.

  • January 1, 2019 onwards - carriers who fail to comply with the Section 321 eManifest requirement will receive a $5000 monetary penalty for the first offense and $10,000 for subsequent offenses.


     

WHAT IS SECTION 321?

 

What is section 321

 

Section 321 is a type of U.S. shipment that covers imported goods valued at $800 USD or less. Section 321 shipments are duty and tax free and include shipments in all modes of transport (highway, rail air and ocean). To be eligible as a Section 321 release, the goods must not exceed $800 in value and must not be one of several lots under a single order or contract. The goods must be imported into the U.S. by one person per day.

 

Before March 10, 2016, the de minimis value of non-dutiable goods was set at $200 max. It was raised to $800 to make trade faster, cheaper and more efficient. It also provides more value for companies that import small, single shipments on a regular basis.

 


There are exemptions to Section 321 eligibility, even if the goods are valued at $800 or less:

  • Goods under $800 USD that are part of several lots under one order or contract

  • Goods that require customs inspection

  • Goods regulated by the FDA, FSIS, NHTSA, CPSA, or USDA

  • Goods subject to anti-dumping duty

  • Alcoholic beverages or perfumes containing alcohol

  • Cigars and cigarettes


     

TRUCK SECTION 321 REQUIREMENTS & CURRENT FILING RULES

Currently, Truck Section 321 shipments do not require an eManifest filing if the carrier is only transporting Section 321 shipments. If the carrier is transporting Section 321 with other types of shipments, all shipments including Section 321 will require an eManifest. After confirming that the shipment is eligible to be released as Section 321, eManifest preparation is easy if you have all the documents (invoice, packing slips, etc.) at hand.

Each mode of transport has its own eManifest submission requirement. When importing via ocean, for example, you need additional information than what is required for a truck shipment. In addition to the eManifest, Importer Security Filing (10+2) and supporting documents (invoice, arrival notice) are required for cargo release.

For air shipments, you or your customs broker can inform the airline before arrival that the cargo is Section 321. Otherwise, you must present the air waybill and invoice to have the Section 321 released with customs officials when the cargo arrives at the airport.

 

Truck eManifest

Truck eManifest

Most Section 321 shipments are eventually delivered by truck to the customer. To facilitate cargo release, some businesses that ship large volumes of Section 321 goods become members of the Fast and Secure Trade (FAST) program. FAST is a trusted shipper program that pre-approves low-risk truck shipments from Canada and Mexico.

To be FAST-approved, the driver, carrier and each supply chain participant must meet eligibility requirements, pass background checks and be certified under the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program. At the border, dedicated lanes for FAST trucks expedite processing, so drivers can proceed directly to delivery.

 

eManifest Data Elements

It is the responsibility of the carrier to file advance eManifest data to CBP. For truck Section 321 shipments, the shipment is marked Section 321 in the ACE eManifest form. Required elements in the eManifest include shipment, carrier, crew and conveyance data.

Required shipment data include the shipment type, Shipment Control Number (SCN), shipper and consignee name and address, commodity information, detailed description of the goods, quantity, weight, hazmat codes, if applicable, and emergency contact info.

Required carrier and conveyance data elements include the trip number, Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA), truck type, unit number, VIN and license plate, driver and crew details (name, FAST ID, date of birth, gender, citizenship, driver’s license/NEXUS card, passport/visa).

 

EMANIFEST FILING METHODS

Truck Section 321 - EMANIFEST FILING METHODS

 

Carriers and authorized filers have multiple ways of submitting Section 321 advance eManifest data to CBP: the ACE Secure Data Portal (trucks only), electronic data interchange (EDI), or a third party software/EDI service.

 
ACE Secure Data Portal

The ACE Secure Data Portal or ACE Portal is an online system that makes it easy for trade participants to communicate with CBP and other government agencies. The ACE Portal is free to use and accessible with a computer and Internet connection. It is designed primarily as a reporting and data management tool, but highway carriers can use the ACE Portal to file import eManifests and view historical data. ACE Portal account users can also respond to filing notices, view compliance issues, and analyze trends. The ACE Portal is for low-volume fling only, even for truck Section 321 eManifest submissions. EDI or a third party solution is recommended for high-volume filers.

 

Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)

Electronic data interchange (EDI) connects one computer directly to another for data exchange. EDI allows trade participants to communicate directly with CBP and other agencies. All eManifests (except for truck) must be transmitted to CBP via EDI. Filing is as simple as entering required data in the e-form and submitting to Customs. CBP will let you know whether the eManifest is accepted or rejected. EDI capability can be built in-house or outsourced to a third party.

 

Third Party eManifest Filing 

Setting up an in-house EDI system can be expensive, considering IT, people, training and maintenance costs. A great alternative is third party eManifest filing or EDI connectivity services. Third party eManifest filing is suited for businesses of all sizes, as the pricing and solutions are flexible. CBP has published a list of approved IT service providers that you can choose from.

 

GETS SOLUTIONS FOR TRUCK SECTION 321 REQUIREMENTS

GETS SOLUTIONS FOR TRUCK SECTION 321 REQUIREMENTS

Global eTrade Services (GeTS) is the leading CBP-approved provider of comprehensive trade facilitation and connectivity services, including eManifest filing for Section 321 and other shipment types. GeTS can help you prepare for the new Section 321 eManifest rule with our flexible, cost-effective solutions.

GeTS eManifest solutions are available as full service eManifest filing, online and integrated services. With full service eManifest filing, you fax or email the required Section 321 documents to us and we will handle processing and submission to CBP. The standalone online eManifest service is ideal for on-the-go filing, while the integrated version is best for businesses with established ERP and other similar systems.

Streamline customs processing and optimize compliance with the new Section 321 rule. Visit our Section 321 page to learn more about Truck Section 321 Requirements.

 

Banner Image Sourced from Pexels/Pixabay

 

 

 

Related Pages:

How to Clear Express Consignment Carrier Facility (ECCF) Shipments

The Future of e-Commerce: Global e-Commerce Trends in 2019 and Beyond

Customs Entry Filing for ACE

ACE Customs Entry Software

ACE Section 321 Services for Highway, Air and Ocean

CBP Portal

Software for Ocean ACE

ACE Marine

Section 321 Entry

ACE eManifest Requirements for U.S. (CBP)

Border Crossing ACE eManifest

Section 321 eManifest

ACE (Automated Commercial Environment)

Border Crossing eManifest

Benefits that Enterprises Gain from Automated Commercial Environment US

Benefits of Using ACE US

What is SW - Single Window US?

Benefits of Using USA Single Window

 

 

 
Contact GeTS today for more information on Truck Section 321!

 

CANADA

GeTS eTrade (Canada) Inc.

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Ontario, Canada L4B 1J8

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Local North America
+ 1-905-763-6887
Fax: 1-905-763-2321

 

 

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Global eTrade Services, Inc.(U.S.)

19800 MacArthur Blvd. Suite 300
Irvine, California, U.S.A.
92612

North America toll-free
+ 1-877-763-6887, (Sales, Support, Billing)
Local North America
+ 1-905-763-6887 (Sales, Support, Billing)
Fax: 1-905-763-2321