AMS Filing

AMS Filing

AMS Filing – Automated Manifest System is an electronic information transmission system operated by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.

• The Automated Manifest System (AMS) is an electronic information transmission system operated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Air and ocean shipments into the U.S. require an AMS filing with detailed information about the cargo, as a security measure.
• The AMS is used for electronic air manifests, but AMS is often used as an umbrella term to refer to all electronic information transmission. ACE (Automated Commercial Environment) is used for electronic truck, rail, and sea manifests.
• An AMS fee will be charged per BOL/AWB. Either the client or supplier must cover the fee.

• The Automated Manifest System or AMS was implemented by the United States in an effort to streamline marine inventory processes and reduce security threats. Implemented in 2004, AMS is a form of tracking system that comes into play in the ocean, air, rail, and road freight.
• Under the AMS filing requirements, all ships that pass through US waters must declare the contents of their cargo by uploading required details to the Automated Broker Interface (ABI) before they pass or enter any of the American ports.

• AMS filing makes it easier for ports and border control to inventory and check cargo before they enter U.S. ports. The transmission of information is simplified with the ABI platform and monitored by the U.S. Customs department.
• Because the AMS filing system is computerized, airline and ocean carriers no longer have to worry about procuring and accomplishing unnecessary paperwork for their cargo and route details. More so, it reduces the use of paper and eliminates unnecessary documents. Now, operators can simply access the ABI platform to report the contents of the cargo they are set to carry to American ports.
• More importantly, the AMS tracking system allows the U.S. customs and border control departments to more seamlessly check the contents of the cargo and identify security threats. Authorities will no longer have to put all their time and attention into inspecting non-threatening cargo. Instead, they can focus on identifying and managing ships that pose national security threats.
• Overall, the AMS filing system streamlines inventory and security processes. The United States recommends that other countries adopt similar measures to maintain a streamlined and safer import and export process between countries.

• The AMS filing must be submitted to the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) 24 hours before the ship leaves the port of shipment.
  The AMS filing must be completed at the export port by the Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC) or the freight forwarder.
• Inaccuracies can lead to severe fines of up to $10,000 USD.