Understanding Air Cargo Advance Screening (ACAS) Before Departure [VIDEO]

Air Cargo Advance Screening, or ACAS, is a joint initiative between U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), which has been in force since June 12, 2019.

The purpose is to enhance air cargo security by targeting and identifying high-risk shipments prior to cargo being loaded onboard flights destined to the U.S.

What does ACAS entail?

A pre-loading advance security filing must be transmitted to CBP prior to departure, where it is reviewed for possible security threats. Required 7+1 Data Elements to be filed:

1. Shipper Name - individual name or name of business
2. Shipper Address - a valid street address with city/province, country, and postal code
3. Consignee Name - individual name or name of business
4. Consignee Address - a valid street address with city/province, country, and postal code
5. Cargo Description - generic cargo descriptions should be avoided
6. Total Quantity - smallest external packing unit
7. Total Weight - total weight of cargo

+

1. Air Waybill Number (House & Master)

CBP then evaluates data and refers for action:

• SECURITY FILING ASSESSMENT COMPLETE
• REFERRAL FOR INFORMATION - Clarifying information required
• REFERRAL FOR SCREENING- Security protocols applied as specified by TSA-approved security programs
• DO NOT TO LOAD - Cargo cannot be transported

What does this mean for your supply chain?

CBP recommends that a security filing is submitted as early as feasible to allow them ample time to conduct their targeting. If ACAS data is transmitted at the last minute, this could delay the departure of your cargo.

To ensure our customers’ supply chains are not disrupted, Expeditors streamlines this process by submitting ACAS data upstream before cargo is consolidated or tendered to the airline. We file ACAS data through a direct connection with US authorities using an integrated system to ensure exceptional data quality and integrity. When issues do occur, we have a 24/7 command center operated by Cargo Signal and a global security team poised for immediate escalation and resolution.

The result is better compliance, fewer disruptions, and safer supply chains.

Contact us today to discuss how Expeditors can support your supply chain and help you avoid delays.