CBP to Begin Targeting 'Invalid' Consignee Names in ACE
Starting July 15, CBP will begin pushing entry filers on shipments to input a valid consignee name in ACE, and may take enforcement actions against filers who don't comply.
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The agency said in a July 11 CSMS message that it's seeking to prevent "invalid" or fictitious names from being entered into the consignee name on shipments, as well as other words such as "Unknown," “Someone," “Anyone," “Blank," “Don’t Know” and “Not Sure." CBP said regulations 19 CFR § 4.7a, 122.48a, 123.91, 123.92 and 128.21 require the valid name of the consignee.
This messaging will be "sent in the SO20 record (position 8-57) with a Reference Identifier Qualifier 'CMT' within the ACE Cargo Release Status Notification message," CBP said.
"In most cases, messages will be sent via ACE Cargo Release after release of the cargo. Brokers and importers are expected to process these messages and work to correct the issue with the shipper and bill of lading issuer for compliance on future shipments," CBP said.
The agency added that brokers and freight forwarders who "self-file House Bills are held to the same standard as carriers and are expected to screen data for compliance with cargo declaration regulations. When the entry filer and bill of lading filer are the same, corrective action is expected immediately. If CBP identifies any enforcement concerns, CBP may take additional actions."
A valid consignee name is also required as part of the Entry Type 86 Test, CBP said. CBP encourages the entry filer to communicate the issue to the bill of lading filer but isn't required to do so.
Filers should contact ecommerce@cbp.dhs.gov with general questions or "concerns about specific vague description cargo messages."