Supply Chain Security Study Guide

1	What it does Requires cargo data to be filed with CBP before US-bound containers are loaded onto a ship at the foreign port.
2	When it applies All sea cargo destined for the United States.
3	Who is responsible The cargo carrier.
4	Status Mandatory; in force since February 2003.

Under the Advance Manifest Rule (AMR), the carrier must submit detailed cargo data to CBP at least 24 hours before containers are lifted onto a US-bound ship. The original requirement was 14 data elements, transmitted electronically. Containers can only enter the United States if this information has been provided to Customs at least 24 hours before loading. CBP uses the data to pre-screen containers of concern before arrival and to select containers for inspection at the port of entry. Vague descriptions such as "freight all kinds" (FAK), "said to contain…" (STC), "chemicals", and "foodstuffs" are no longer acceptable.

In practice, ocean carriers and NVOCCs (non-vessel operating common carriers) set their own earlier deadlines on shippers, on top of the 24-hour cut-off, so they can collect, process, and transmit the data to CBP on time. Containers may sit idle at the port for an extra day on top of the typical 2–3 day wait. Perishables such as food are often at the farm gate 24 hours before being loaded into a container and put on a ship, in order to maintain freshness.

The rule is no longer exclusive to the United States. China Shanghai Customs introduced a 24-hour manifest rule in 2014.