U.S. CBP finalizes ACE electronic export manifest requirements for rail cargo
Enforcement begins October 26, 2027
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) today released a final rule requiring the electronic transmission of export manifest data through the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) for all rail cargo departing the United States.
The rule requires the submission of electronic export manifest (EEM) data for rail exports to Canada and Mexico in addition to any electronic export information (EEI) filing requirements under the Foreign Trade Regulations.
Key provisions include:
- An initial filing containing specified data elements must be transmitted as early as practicable, but no later than 24 hours before the train's departure from the U.S. port of export.
- Remaining transportation, cargo, and empty-container data generally must be transmitted at least two hours before departure from the U.S. port of export.
- Eligible transmitters include the outbound rail carrier, the U.S. principal party in interest (USPPI), the foreign principal party in interest (FPPI), authorized agents, customs brokers, freight forwarders, non-vessel operating common carriers (NVOCCs), and other parties with direct knowledge of the export transaction.
- The final rule clarifies that transmitting EEM data for purposes of compliance does not constitute customs business.
CBP revised several provisions from the proposed rule, including changing certain data elements, making the Automated Export System (AES) internal transaction number (ITN) or foreign trade regulations (FTR) exemption/exclusion code a conditional element, and adding an employer identification number (EIN), Importer Record Number (IRN), or CBP-assigned number to identify the bond securing the filing.
The rule establishes procedures for CBP review of outbound shipments, including the issuance of Hold messages and Do-Not-Load (DNL) instructions for cargo identified as requiring further review or posing a potential security concern. Cargo subject to a hold generally may not depart until CBP's review is complete and any requested information is provided.
The final rule also amends CBP bond regulations to support enforcement.
CBP will begin enforcing the rule on October 26, 2027.