The Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) electronic truck manifest (eManifest) program is being deployed to all land border ports during calendar year 2006. Under the Authority of the Trade Act of 2002, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has repeatedly reminded the trade community that use of eManifest is mandatory. On June 15, 2006 Phase IV Enforcement for Truck Carriers disallowed the use of facsimiles indicating that a carrier had sent Pre-Arrival Processing System (PAPS) information to a broker, in lieu of the use of ACE eManifest. As the use of e Manifest grows, the need for uniform guidance to both trade partners and CBP becomes evident. Specifically, a way of identifying that a carrier has transmitted an eManifest for a specific truck is needed to ensure proper processing by CBP officers.

Following is guidance to assist carriers and CBP in identifying e-manifest transactions. CBP Officers will be looking to carriers to provide one of the two documents. This is designed to quickly allow CBP Officers to identify and process e-manifest shipments. Presentation of one of the documents mentioned will also provide proof of eManifest filing for Phase IV enforcement purposes.

In addition the following data elements may be added in smaller letters (12 point type maximum):

• Shipment Control Number (SCN): (PAPS or other shipment ID)
• Shipment Description for each SCN

• CBP Form 7533 (Inward Cargo Manifest)
• Cover Sheet printed on plain paper

These documents must be annotated with the following minimum information in at least 22-point type:

• "ACE Electronic Manifest" should be printed on document
• Trip number and Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC) + unique

• Driver’s Name
• Truck (Tractor) License Plate (Must be the one that is transmitted to CBP)

A code "3 of 9" bar code may be provided in addition to the text for these elements.

If invoices and PAPS bar-coded manifests are provided to the driver they should remain in the driver’s control and not be given to CBP except upon request. CBP Officers will use these documents for CBP system downtime or validation/examination of shipments.

Free and Secure Trade (FAST) manifest cover sheets will continue to be used for FAST shipments.