CBP Updated Draft ACE CATAIR for Air Waybill Minimum Length
CBP title: Updated Draft ACE Cargo Release CATAIR
This message is from February 4, 2026. Later CSMS messages may have changed it. See the latest trade news
What did CBP announce?
CBP posted an updated ACE Cargo Release CATAIR document. It set a minimum of 7 characters for the Air Master Bill of Lading under SE15 Note 1. CBP said the related validation rule (rule 029) would deploy no earlier than March 5, 2026.
What is Allied's position?
This update concerns the technical data format used to transmit the Air Master Bill of Lading through ABI. It affects how we format air waybill data on the entries we file, not what importers must submit. Clients do not need to act on this; contact us if you have questions about a specific air shipment entry.
General information, not legal advice.
What does the CBP message say?
An updated ACE Cargo Release CATAIR document has been posted on cbp.gov.
- SE15 Note 1 now specifies that a minimum of 7 characters is required for the Air Master Bill of Lading.
- Deployment of the updated validation rule logic (rule 029) related to this change is anticipated no earlier than March 5, 2026.
This document can be found in the Draft Chapters: Future Capabilities tab on cbp.gov: https://www.cbp.gov/document/guidance/ace-cargo-release-implementation-guide-v405 (https://www.cbp.gov/document/guidance/ace-cargo-release-implementation-guide-v406)
For any technical questions regarding this update, please contact your assigned Client Representative.
Other questions regarding Cargo Control and Release should be directed to CREM@cbp.dhs.gov (mailto:CREM@cbp.dhs.gov).