CBP extended ACAS full enforcement deadline to May 2027
CBP title: CBP Announces Extension of Enhanced Air Cargo Advance Screening (ACAS) Full Enforcement Phase
What did CBP announce?
CBP announced that it extended the phased enforcement period for the Enhanced Air Cargo Advance Screening (ACAS) Interim Final Rule from November 21, 2026 to May 1, 2027. The program requires air carriers and other eligible filers to submit specific data elements for air cargo before it is loaded onto a US-bound aircraft. CBP said the extension gives the trade more time for system integration, compliance procedures and data quality work. The extension applied to requirements under the Enhanced ACAS IFR and affected air carriers, filers and other eligible parties.
What is Allied's position?
This message concerns air carriers and other parties who submit ACAS data, not the entries we file for importers. We do not file ACAS submissions on behalf of clients, so this notice does not require action from our importer clients. Clients who ship as air carriers or ACAS filers should confirm with their own compliance teams that they are ready for the May 1, 2027 enforcement date.
General information, not legal advice.
What does the CBP message say?
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is notifying the trade community that the phased enforcement period announced in Section IV.I. of the Enhanced Air Cargo Advance Screening (ACAS) Interim Final Rule (IFR) (90 FR 52796, 52817 (Nov. 21, 2025)) has been extended to May 1, 2027.
The ACAS program requires air carriers and other eligible filers to submit specific data elements for air cargo shipments as early as practicable, but no later than prior to loading the cargo onto an aircraft destined for the United States. This advance information is essential to CBP’s ability to identify, assess, and mitigate potential security risks before cargo enters the air transportation environment.
To support operational readiness and allow the trade community additional time to complete system integrations, refine compliance procedures, and resolve data quality issues, CBP is extending the Enhanced ACAS Interim Final Rule’s (IFR) phased enforcement period. The phased enforcement period was initially set to run for 12 months following the IFR’s effective date (November 21, 2025 through November 21, 2026).
Effective immediately, the Enhanced ACAS IFR’s phased enforcement period is extended from November 21, 2026, to May 1, 2027. This extension is subject to the conditions discussed in Section IV.I. of the Enhanced ACAS IFR and solely affects requirements promulgated through the publication of the Enhanced ACAS IFR.
During this extended phased enforcement period, CBP will continue to focus on stakeholder outreach, technical assistance, and data quality monitoring. These efforts are intended to help air carriers, filers, and other eligible parties prepare for full enforcement and ensure a smooth transition.
During the extension, air carriers and filers are expected to:
- Continue submitting ACAS data in accordance with existing regulatory requirements;
- Promptly address any data quality issues identified by CBP;
- Confirm that internal systems can meet the technical specifications required for full enforcement; and
- Maintain coordination with CBP representatives to support timely resolution of implementation concerns.
The ACAS program remains an important component of CBP’s layered security strategy. CBP strongly encourages all affected parties to use this additional time to complete necessary preparations. Timely and accurate ACAS submissions are critical to strengthening air cargo security, protecting the supply chain, and supporting the safe and efficient movement of legitimate trade.
For technical questions regarding ACAS implementation, please contact your assigned Client Representative. For operational inquiries, please contact the National Targeting Center atACAS-SUPPORT@cbp.dhs.gov (mailto:ACAS-SUPPORT@cbp.dhs.gov). For policy-related inquiries, please contact Cargo and Conveyance Security at OFO-MANIFESTBRANCH@cbp.dhs.gov (mailto:OFO-MANIFESTBRANCH@cbp.dhs.gov).
CBP will provide additional updates regarding the extended phased enforcement period through future Cargo Systems Messaging Service (CSMS) messages.