CBP Details M1 Pilot (e-Manifest: Ocean and Rail), to Soon Request Volunteers

(CESAC is a voluntary, open, transportation industry forum that provides an environment for the exchange of ideas and the resolution of technical issues. CESAC’s membership is made up of representatives from all modes of transportation (air, ocean, rail and truck), trade sectors, non-vessel operating common carriers (NVOCCs), and any government agencies wishing to participate.)

The following are highlights of the presentation:

CBP to Issue FR Notice Seeking Volunteers for Pilot This Summer

A Federal Register notice is expected to be published during summer 2010 announcing the National Customs Automation Program Test for M1 and seeking volunteers for the pilot.

(CBP has stated that it hopes to pilot M1 by the end of 2010 and that trade testing of M1 would begin in 2010 no less than 90 days prior to “going live.”)

CBP to Select Participants to Transmit Data, Priority Given to Those Doing Business at Test Ports

Eligible volunteer participants will be selected to transmit data to CBP for processing in ACE. Participants who transmit manifests and conduct business at the initial CBP test ports (Baltimore, Maryland; Buffalo, New York; Brownsville, Texas) will be given priority consideration.

Participant Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility requirements include:

• Participants must have ability to transmit EDI for ocean or rail modes of transportation using ANSI X12 or CAMIR or the ability to transmit ABI using CAMIR interfaces for in-bond transactions;
• Participants must have an ACE Portal account; and
• Participants must have the ability to be “software ready” to test.

CBP Seeks Ocean Carriers, Rail Carriers, ABI Filers, ISF Filers as Volunteers

Participation is sought from the following groups:

• 1-2 Automated Broker Interface (ABI) filers. ABI filers currently filing In-Bond (ABI Applications “QP/WP”), Bill of Lading Update (ABI Application “LN”), and Cargo/Manifest Status Query (ABI Application “IN”) transactions and processing Broker Download (ABI Application “BD”) and Status Notifications (ABI Application “NS”).
• 2-3 stand-alone ISF filers. This will ensure that both X12 and CAMIR message formats are represented.
• 2-3 Ocean Carriers. At least one must be filing manifests and transmitting unified manifest/Importer Security Filing (ISF) data using X12 and one must be using CAMIR message formats. Carrier applicants must also be submitting stow plans via BAPLIE (UN/EDIFACT).
• 2 Service Centers. One using X12 message formats and one using CAMIR message formats. Each service center must have at least one client filing manifests and transmitting unified manifest/ISF data and who is also submitting stow plans via BAPLIE (UN/EDIFACT).
• 1 Port Authority. Preferably one that both sends and receives data.
• 2 Terminal Operators. One using X12 and one using CAMIR message formats.
• 2-3 Rail Carriers. At least one from the northern border and one from the southern border.

New Data Elements, Rules and Edits to be Deployed with M1

The following will new data elements, rules and edits will come with M1’s deployment:

• Unique Voyage Identifier can be reported in the original sea manifest submission.
• Place of receipt will become mandatory to report in addition to foreign port of lading.
• Harmonized Tariff (HTS) numbers will be edited for validity to the sixth position.
• Valid bonds will be edited when carriers request in-bond moves or Permits to Transfer (PTT).
• Manifest unit of measure will be validated in both modes of transport.
• Hazardous Material Code Qualifier, Flashpoint temperature, Flashpoint Temperature Unit of Measure and Negative Indicator will be edited for valid data.
• Quantity field will be added to PTT (T1/356) transaction set to allow PTT to be optionally reported at less than full bill quantity.

Enhanced Functionality and Procedures to be Deployed with M1

M1 will include the following enhanced functionality and procedures:

• Increases number of possible Secondary Notify Party’s to 25.
• Extends Broker Download to sea cargo environment.
• Removes data element requiring identification of “The Paperless Manifest -- Participant.”
• Arrives all bills associated with a Vessel Stow Plan when the first carrier or CBP reports the arrival of the vessel.
• Enables CBP to place and remove holds at the conveyance, container, master bill, as well as partial piece count level.
• Informs carriers which PGA has held their merchandise.
• Retires ACS vessel and rail manifest processing.

(See ITT’s Online Archives or 08/06/10 news, 10080621, for BP summary of CBP officials discussing M1, etc. at the August 4 COAC meeting.

See ITT’s Online Archives or 04/23/10, 10042328, for BP summary of CBP saying that they hope to pilot M1 by the end of 2010.)