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CBP holds support call today on the Entry Type 13 mail test in ACE
CBP will hold a Post-Deployment Support Call today, October 7, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. ET on Microsoft Teams. The call covers the ACE enhancements that implemented the new Entry Type 13 Test for processing international mail shipments (INT-057 and CBP-290). CBP refers readers to its Information Notice for details on these deployments. Questions go to CBP's CREM or ESAR divisions, and technical questions go to the assigned Client Representative.
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This is an information call, and clients do not need to act. We file mail entries, including entry type 13, and the call does not change how we file them. Shippers and postal operators who want to hear CBP's explanation can join using the details in the message. Clients with questions about their mail shipments can ask us to review them.
Commerce can bar polysilicon entries by high-volume importers until December 4, 2026
Commerce will publish a Temporary Final Rule on September 24, 2026 under Proclamation 11052 to restrict stockpiling of polysilicon products. The rule targets importers of record that import far above their historic averages, and new importers that exceed the weekly quantity limits. After Commerce notifies CBP, the importer cannot enter certain polysilicon products until December 4, 2026, but may move the goods to a bonded warehouse. Affected importers may apply to Commerce for a waiver.
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If you import polysilicon products, ask us to review your planned entries before you ship. If Commerce names you under this rule, we cannot file consumption entries for those products before December 4, 2026. Questions about the limits or a waiver go to Commerce at Polysilicon232@bis.doc.gov.
- Policy GuidanceCSMS #69927769
CBP reminded the trade about September webinars on reporting trade violations and EAPA
CBP reminded the trade community that registration was open for two free enforcement webinars. The Trade Violations Reporting (TVR) webinar was set for September 22, 2026, and the Enforce and Protect Act (EAPA) webinar for September 24, 2026, both at 1:00 p.m. ET. The sessions explain how to report suspected trade violations and file EAPA allegations with the TVR tool. Advance registration was required.
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This is an information notice about optional training, and both sessions have now taken place. Clients do not need to act. Clients who have questions about reporting suspected trade violations can contact us.
CBP support call on the entry type 13 mail test set for September 15, 2026
CBP scheduled a pre-deployment support call for Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. ET on Microsoft Teams. The call covered the ACE changes for the new Entry Type 13 test for international mail shipments (INT-057 and CBP-290). CBP refers readers to its Information Notice on the Entry Type 13 test in ACE for U.S. mail processing.
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The entry type 13 test affects the mail entries we file, but this call needs no action from clients.
CBP's 2026 ACE user satisfaction survey closed September 11
CBP asked ACE trade community users to complete a voluntary, anonymous satisfaction survey about ACE. The survey covered users' experience with ACE's capabilities. CBP stated the survey would remain open through 11:59 p.m. ET on September 11, 2026.
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This survey concerned ACE users generally and did not require any action on entries we file. The survey window has already closed, so no action is possible now. Clients do not need to do anything about this notice.
CBP's 2026 ACE User Satisfaction Survey has closed
CBP asked ACE trade community users to complete a voluntary, anonymous satisfaction survey about the ACE system. The survey window ran through September 11, 2026. CBP said a higher response rate would give it a more accurate picture of user experience.
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This survey concerned voluntary feedback on the ACE system, not entry filing requirements. It closed on September 11, 2026, so there is no remaining action. Clients do not need to do anything about this notice.
CBP's ACE User Satisfaction Survey Closed September 11, 2026
CBP asked all Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) trade community users to complete a voluntary, anonymous satisfaction survey about ACE. CBP extended the survey deadline to 11:59 p.m. ET on September 11, 2026. The survey aimed to gauge user satisfaction with ACE's capabilities and experience.
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This survey does not affect the entries we file for clients. It was a voluntary CBP feedback request that has now closed. Clients do not need to take any action.
CBP sets order for reporting multiple HTS lines with Chapter 98 or 99 codes
CBP updated guidance on the order for reporting multiple HTSUS classifications on a single entry summary line when a Chapter 98 or 99 classification applies. The sequence is Chapter 98 first, then Chapter 99 codes for trade remedies in the order Section 301, Section 338, Section 232, Section 201 duties, Section 201 quota, then Chapter 99 for replacement duty or other use, then other quota, and finally the Chapter 1-97 classification. Entered value should be reported on the Chapter 1-97 line unless Chapter 98 rules require otherwise. This applies to entry summaries filed in ACE, which is the system of record for entry summaries.
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We apply this reporting sequence to the entry summaries we file in ACE when a Chapter 98 or 99 classification is required. Clients do not need to change the data they send us, but we will make sure our line reporting follows this order to avoid rejections. If a client has questions about how a specific shipment is classified across Chapter 98, 99 and 1-97, they should ask us to review the entry.
CBP extends Jones Act waiver for Dept. of War shipments through November 15, 2026
CBP announced a second 90-day extension of the Jones Act waiver granted to the Department of War, effective August 17, 2026. Covered products must be loaded onto the relevant vessel before 11:59 p.m. Eastern on November 15, 2026 to remain compliant. CBP also updated the list of covered products and changed the waiver request process, requiring vessel availability requests to DOW and MARAD before any voyage, plus post-voyage reports to CBP and MARAD.
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This notice concerns coastwise transportation of specific Department of War cargo on foreign-flag vessels, not the customs entries we normally file. If a client ships goods on the covered products list under this waiver, they should contact us so we can review how it affects their entries, but this does not change our standard entry filing process. Most Allied clients will not be affected by this waiver.
- Policy GuidanceCSMS #69440156
CBP held August webinars on reporting trade violations and EAPA allegations
CBP's Office of Trade issued a final reminder to register for two free quarterly trade enforcement webinars, held August 10 and 12, 2026. The sessions covered how to report suspected trade violations and file Enforce and Protect Act (EAPA) allegations through the Trade Violations Reporting online portal. Registration was free and open to the public but required in advance.
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These webinars already took place and were informational sessions on reporting trade violations, not a filing requirement for entries. They did not change any entry, classification, or duty rules that we apply to the entries we file. Clients do not need to take any action regarding this message.
CBP detailed new postal informal entry process for mail shipments under $2,500
CBP announced on June 24, 2026 the indefinite suspension of the de minimis exemption for goods entering by international mail. Effective July 24, 2026, mail shipments valued at $2,500 or less that qualify for informal entry had to move through a new postal informal entry process described in Federal Register notice and CBP guidance. The guidance covered who could use the process, required information, bond and payment rules, and deadlines.
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This message set the postal informal entry rules that took effect July 24, 2026, and our background confirms the de minimis exemption for mail remains suspended for all countries. We apply the new postal informal entry process to the mail entries we file for clients from that date forward. Clients sending goods by international mail should confirm with us that their shipments meet the value and eligibility limits for informal entry, and ask us to review any entries in question.
USDA now requires NOP organic certificate numbers for 27 more HTS codes
USDA's National Organic Program announced that, starting July 1, 2026, the AMS tariff flag for 27 listed HTS codes changed from 'may file' to 'must file' with reject severity for the NOP import certificate (NOP-IC) number. CBP said organic shipments without a valid NOP-IC number can be reexported, donated with restrictions, or destroyed, and NOP-IC numbers marked or followed by 'draft' are not valid. This affects importers of organic products such as certain vegetables, oils, cocoa, pasta, juices, spirits, and vinegar under the listed codes.
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This is a partner government agency filing requirement from USDA, not a change Allied controls. For entries under the listed HTS codes filed on or after July 1, 2026, we must include a valid, non-draft NOP-IC number or the entry will reject. Clients importing organic goods under these codes should send us a current NOP-IC number for each shipment and confirm it is not marked 'draft'. If a client is unsure whether their product falls under one of the listed codes, they should ask us to review the entry.
CBP released consolidated forced labor enforcement guidance for importers
CBP announced a new Forced Labor Enforcement Operational Guidance document that consolidated its enforcement authorities under 19 U.S.C. 1307, UFLPA, and CAATSA into one reference. The guidance added enforcement process maps, step by step response guidance for detentions and exclusions, and appendices with sample supply chain documentation and notices. CBP encouraged importers to review the guidance and conduct supplier due diligence before importing goods.
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This was a reference document, not a new legal requirement, so it did not change how we file entries. We encourage clients importing goods from high risk sectors or regions to review their supplier documentation and ask us to check whether any of their entries have faced or could face detention or exclusion. Later CSMS messages may have added enforcement actions, so clients with specific shipments should ask Allied to review their entries.
- Policy GuidanceCSMS #68902435
CBP held reminder for June trade enforcement webinars, now past
CBP issued a final reminder to register for its free quarterly trade enforcement webinars on Trade Violations Reporting and the Enforce and Protect Act, held June 23 and 25, 2026. The sessions were open to the public but required registration to attend. The message did not affect entry filing requirements.
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This notice concerned public webinars on reporting trade violations, not entry filing procedures. The webinar dates have passed and no action remains for clients. Clients do not need to do anything about this message.
- Policy GuidanceCSMS #68570342
CBP extended its CSMS user satisfaction survey to May 22, 2026
CBP reminded CSMS users that its CSMS User Satisfaction Survey was still collecting responses. CBP launched the survey on February 9, 2026, and extended it to remain open until May 22, 2026. CBP said it would use the responses to find possible improvements to trade communications. It asked users who had already responded not to respond again.
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This survey closed on May 22, 2026, and it did not change any entry or filing rules. Clients do not need to act.
CBP reminded ACE Portal owners how to reactivate user access
CBP reminded Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Portal Trade Account Owners that they can reactivate Proxy Trade Account Owners and Trade Account Users themselves. The message listed the steps: log in as the account owner, use the Tools tab, select the user, and click Reactivate. It pointed to a CBP reference guide for more detail.
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This message describes a standard ACE Portal feature rather than a new rule, so it likely still applies today. It concerns account administration, not entry filing, so it does not change how we file entries for clients. Clients who manage their own ACE Portal accounts can follow these steps directly; others do not need to act.
- Policy GuidanceCSMS #68448732
CBP extended Jones Act waiver for Department of War cargo through August 16, 2026
CBP announced that DHS extended the March 17, 2026 Jones Act waiver requested by the Department of War for an additional 90 days, starting May 18, 2026. Covered cargo had to be loaded onto the vessel before the waiver expired at 11:59 pm EDT on August 16, 2026. CBP updated the list of potentially covered products and required a PDF copy of CBP Form 1302 with notification emails to jonesact@cbp.dhs.gov. The waiver applied to carriers moving listed commodities on foreign-flag vessels between U.S. ports.
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This waiver applied to carriers transporting specific Department of War cargo on foreign-flag vessels, not to the formal and informal entries Allied files for importers. The waiver period ended on August 16, 2026, so it no longer applies today. Clients who moved covered cargo under this waiver should have already met CBP's notification and Form 1302 requirements by that date. Clients with questions about how this affected specific shipments should ask Allied to review the relevant records.
- Policy GuidanceCSMS #68370692
CBP updated guidance and product list for Department of War Jones Act waiver
CBP updated its guidance on the March 17, 2026 Jones Act waiver issued to the Department of War, adding a revised list of potentially covered products as of April 16, 2026. CBP clarified that covered products had to be loaded onboard the relevant vessel before the waiver deadline expired at 11:59 pm EDT on Sunday, May 17, 2026. The waiver let foreign-flag vessels move certain domestic cargo, and carriers using it had to notify CBP with vessel, commodity, and voyage details and still file vessel entrance and clearance documents.
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This notice applied to ocean carriers moving Department of War cargo under a temporary Jones Act waiver that expired on May 17, 2026. It did not change how we file entries, ISF, or bonds for importers, since it addressed vessel entrance rules and carrier reporting, not customs entry requirements. Because the waiver period has ended, no current action is needed. Clients with questions about specific past shipments moved under this waiver should contact Allied to review their entries.
CBP now sends automated alerts on container seal changes in ACE
CBP reminded trade that it deployed an ACE update on April 9, 2026, that automatically notifies carriers by EDI when CBP adds or removes container seals on ocean and rail shipments. ABI filers can query D2/D3 notifications for a bill of lading to see new container and seal numbers. This affects ocean and rail carriers and ABI filers.
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This update concerns carriers and ABI filers who track container seal notifications in ACE. It does not change how we file entries for clients, and clients do not need to take any action. If clients want us to check seal change records for a specific shipment, they can ask us.
CBP enhanced ACE truck manifests to capture ATA Carnet data starting March 2026
CBP announced that on March 24, 2026 it enhanced the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) to let trade users include ATA Carnet information in electronic truck manifest filings. CBP held a support call on March 31, 2026 to answer trade questions about the change. The message was aimed at carriers and other filers submitting truck manifests through ACE.
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This update affects truck manifest filings, not the formal, informal, mail or e-commerce entries we file for clients. We have no indication that later CSMS messages changed this ACE feature. Clients who move goods under ATA Carnets by truck and have questions about how this affects their shipments should ask us to review their specific movements.
- Policy GuidanceCSMS #68180454
CBP clarified Jones Act waiver deadline for Department of War cargo shipments
CBP updated its guidance on the March 17, 2026 Jones Act waiver issued to the Department of War, adding an updated list of potentially covered products as of March 27, 2026. CBP clarified that covered products had to be loaded onto the relevant vessel before the waiver deadline of 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on Sunday, May 17, 2026. The waiver let foreign-flag vessels carry certain domestic cargo for the Department of War for a 60-day period, subject to notification, vessel entry, and CBP Form 1302 reporting requirements described in the message.
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This message covered a Jones Act waiver for Department of War cargo that expired May 17, 2026, so it no longer applies to shipments moving today. We are noting it here for reference only, as it explains a past exception to normal vessel entry rules for covered cargo moved before that deadline. Clients who moved cargo under this waiver and have questions about how a specific entry was filed should contact us directly.
CBP Reminded Importers to Set Up ACH Refunds in the ACE Portal
CBP announced that since February 6, 2026, refunds are issued electronically only, following an interim rule and a related executive order. CBP reported that more than 12,300 certified refunds had been rejected because recipients had not provided valid U.S. bank account information in the ACE Portal. The message reminded importers and other refund recipients with entry summaries liquidated since that date to enroll their banking information using CBP's ACH enrollment guides and training materials.
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At the time, this meant importers who had not added bank details to the ACE Portal risked having their refunds rejected. This requirement appears to still apply, since CBP later moved to electronic refunds through ACE for other programs as well. We recommend clients confirm their ACH banking information is current in the ACE Portal and contact us if they are unsure whether a refund on their entries was affected.
CBP added ATA Carnet data fields to ACE truck manifest filings starting March 24, 2026
CBP announced that on March 24, 2026 it enhanced ACE to let trade users submit ATA Carnet information as part of an electronic truck manifest filing. The update included EDI impacts and CBP published a trade information notice with details. The change applied to truck manifest filers moving goods under carnet.
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This update concerns carriers and filers who submit electronic truck manifests, not the entries we file for importers. It does not change how we file formal, informal or other entry types for clients. Clients do not need to take any action on this notice.
FDA Supplemental Guide version 2.6 went live in ACE production on March 10, 2026
CBP announced that changes for the FDA ACE Supplemental Guide version 2.6 were deployed to the CBP production environment on March 10, 2026. CBP moved the guide to the Implementation Guide Ready for Coding section of the CATAIR PGA documents on CBP.gov. FDA said it would also update its Affirmation of Compliance Codes, the Affirmation of Compliance Quick Reference and the Industry Quick Reference Guide.
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This message covered the technical format of FDA data that filers send through ABI with entries. It concerned filers and software providers, so importers did not need to act. Later CSMS messages may have changed the FDA requirements. Clients who import FDA-regulated goods should ask us to review their entries if they have questions.
CBP made electronic ocean manifest filing mandatory for U.S. Virgin Islands ports
CBP announced that electronic submission of ocean cargo manifests through ACE became mandatory for all U.S. Virgin Islands ports of entry (St. Thomas, St. Croix, St. John) starting March 7, 2026. The requirement applied to carriers, importing carriers, vessel agents, brokers, importers and freight forwarders. Non-automated manifest submissions were no longer permitted once the mandatory implementation took effect, though CBP allowed a limited transition period with enforcement discretion.
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This notice concerned ocean carrier manifest filing, not the customs entries we file for clients. We note the correct USVI port codes when we process shipments moving through St. Thomas, St. Croix or St. John. Clients do not need to take any action, since carriers and their IT vendors handle the ACE manifest submission directly with CBP.
CBP held support call on electronic ACH refunds and new ACE notify party feature
CBP announced that since February 6, 2026 it issues nearly all refunds electronically via ACH, following a rule published January 2, 2026. CBP also added a feature in the ACE Portal for importers to add notify parties. This message reminded the trade community of a support call held on February 11, 2026 to answer questions on the transition.
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This message covered CBP's move to electronic ACH refunds and a new ACE Portal notify party feature, and the call it describes already took place. If a client has not confirmed ACH refund enrollment in the ACE Portal, we recommend checking that setup, since it affects how CBP-issued refunds, including duty refunds, reach the importer. Ask us if you want help confirming your ACE Portal refund and notify party settings on entries we file.
CBP Reauthorized AGOA and Haiti HOPE/HELP Duty-Free Programs Through 2026
CBP announced that the President signed H.R.7148 on February 3, 2026, extending duty-free treatment for AGOA beneficiary countries and Haiti HOPE/HELP programs through December 31, 2026. The law also allowed retroactive refunds, without interest, of general duties paid on eligible entries during the program lapse from October 1, 2025 through February 3, 2026. CBP said importers could resume filing SPI "D" starting February 6, 2026, and claim quota preference starting February 9, 2026. Refund requests for the lapse period, by post summary correction, protest, or written request, had to be filed by August 2, 2026.
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This message is now historical. The refund filing deadline of August 2, 2026 has passed, so importers who had eligible AGOA or Haiti HOPE/HELP entries during the lapse period should already have filed for refunds by then. If a client believes they had eligible entries from that lapse period and did not file by the deadline, we cannot obtain the retroactive refund now. For current entries, AGOA and Haiti HOPE/HELP duty-free treatment and quota filing remain in effect through 2026 per this notice, but clients should ask us to confirm how later CSMS messages may affect their specific entries.
- Policy GuidanceCSMS #67648307
CBP updated notify party form (CBP Form 4811) for electronic refunds, effective Feb 6, 2026
CBP announced that, effective February 6, 2026, it updated CBP Form 4811, Special Address Notification, used to authorize notify parties for refunds. Refunds directed to a notify party are now deposited electronically into that party's bank account, under an Interim Final Rule effective the same date. CBP no longer accepts earlier versions of the form; only the updated (12/25) version is valid. Importers can add notify parties through their assigned Center of Excellence and Expertise or the ACE Portal's new Notify Parties feature.
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This update concerns how importers set up notify parties in ACE for receiving refunds; it does not change how we file entries. If a client wants a notify party added or revoked for refund purposes, they must submit the updated CBP Form 4811 to their Center of Excellence and Expertise or use the ACE Portal feature themselves. Clients who already have notify parties correctly on file do not need to take any action. Ask us if you are unsure whether this affects a specific refund or entry.
USDA reminded filers of organic entry HTS flag change and NOP-IC filing errors
CBP relayed a USDA National Organic Program notice that certain HTS codes changed from AM7 (may file) to AM8 (must file, reject severity) on February 13, 2026. USDA also flagged common filing errors: using non-conforming 10-digit NOP ID numbers instead of 21-character NOP-IC numbers, and filing under the wrong ACE message set. The notice said organic shipments without a valid NOP-IC number can face reexport, donation, or destruction, and told filers to use the OR2 message set for electronic NOP-IC numbers and OR1 only for manually issued NOP-ICs with a COOP code.
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This notice set filing rules for organic entries that took effect in February 2026 and, unless a later CSMS message says otherwise, should still govern how NOP-IC data is filed today. We file organic entries using valid 21-character NOP-IC numbers under the OR2 message set, or OR1 only when a client provides a manually issued NOP-IC with a COOP code. Clients importing organic goods should send us the correct NOP-IC number for each shipment and ask us to confirm the HTS flag status if unsure.
- Policy GuidanceCSMS #67536835
CBP reminded brokers of 2026 annual permit user fee deadline
CBP announced that the 2026 Customs Broker Annual Permit User Fee of $185.38 was due by January 30, 2026, for all active national permits. Brokers could pay through the eCBP portal, which accepted payments from December 2, 2025, through January 30, 2026. CBP stated that missing the deadline would result in permit revocation by operation of law.
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This notice concerned customs brokers, not importers or shippers, and the payment deadline has passed. Clients of Allied do not need to take any action regarding this fee. Later CSMS messages may address broker permit status if it changed.
The summaries and positions are general information, not legal advice. Always check the official CBP message, which each page links to.
Does a change affect your entries?
Call (908) 291-8001 or email info@alliedchb.com