CBP finalizes rule requiring electronic export manifests for rail cargo
CBP title: U.S. Customs and Border Protection publishes Final Rule to require Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Electronic Export Manifest (EEM) for the Rail Mode of Transportation - Final Rule - 19 CFR Parts 103, 113, 123, and 192
What did CBP announce?
CBP published a final rule on August 26, 2026 requiring Electronic Export Manifest (EEM) filing in ACE for rail cargo departing the U.S. to Mexico or Canada. The rule sets electronic transmission requirements, eligible filers, and submission timeframes before departure. It takes effect October 26, 2026, but CBP will not begin enforcing it until October 26, 2027.
What is Allied's position?
This rule concerns rail carriers and parties who file export manifests, not import entries that we file for clients. We do not file export manifests, so this does not change the entries we handle. Clients who also move cargo outbound by rail to Mexico or Canada should confirm with their carrier or export filer that they will be ready for ACE EEM filing before the October 2027 enforcement date.
General information, not legal advice.
What does the CBP message say?
On August 26, 2026, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) published a final rule that will require an Electronic Export Manifest (EEM) for cargo departing by rail to Mexico or Canada. Mandatory electronic filing of rail export manifests will enhance visibility of outbound rail cargo by requiring outbound rail manifest submission prior to cargo departure from the United States.
SUMMARY
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is revising its regulations pursuant to the Trade Act of 2002 requiring the transmission of export manifest data electronically in the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) for cargo transported by rail for any train departing the United States. This rule mandates the electronic transmission of rail export manifest information, identifies the parties eligible to transmit information, and describes the time frames prior to departure in which the information is due. This rule enables CBP to address important cargo security concerns while providing efficiencies to the trade.
DATES
Effective date: This rule is effective on October 26, 2026.
Compliance date: CBP will begin enforcing this rule on October 26, 2027.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
Outbound Enforcement and Policy Branch, Office of Field Operations, CBP, via email at cbpexportmanifest@cbp.dhs.gov (mailto:cbpexportmanifest@cbp.dhs.gov).
The Rail EEM Final Rule can be viewed at Federal Register: Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Electronic Export Manifest for Rail Cargo (https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/26/2026-17390/automated-commercial-environment-ace-electronic-export-manifest-for-rail-cargo).
To learn more about the EEM system and Implementation Guides visit the CBP’s EEM webpage (https://www.cbp.gov/trade/automated/how-to-use-ace/export-manifest).