CBP Automates Vessel Arrival Forms for Faster Processing
Published Date: 11/17/2025
Rule
Summary
Starting November 17, 2025, commercial vessel operators must submit their CBP Form I-418 info electronically instead of on paper. This change makes arrivals and departures faster and easier by cutting out duplicate steps and automating recordkeeping. If you run or work on commercial vessels, get ready to go digital—no extra fees, just smoother sailing!
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 6 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
CBP estimates $18.4M annualized savings
CBP estimates this rule is a deregulatory action that generates $18.4 million in net annualized cost savings at a 7% discount rate, discounted relative to year 2024, over a perpetual time horizon.
Paper I-418s replaced by e-submission
Starting November 17, 2025, commercial vessel operators must submit the data elements of CBP Form I-418 electronically through a CBP-approved electronic data interchange (CBP continues to use the eNOA/D system). CBP generally no longer requires the paper Form I-418.
Less paperwork and time per arrival
Commercial vessel operators who fully participate in the electronic process saved about 60 minutes per arrival or departure. Cargo and non-cargo vessel operators could avoid about 3 pages of paper per arrival/departure, and cruise ship operators could avoid about 600 pages per arrival/departure.
E-submission serves as Master's certification
When operators submit the I-418 data electronically, that electronic submission counts as the vessel Master's certification that the manifest is accurate. CBP generally will not require the paper certification signatures on Form I-418 after the change.
Paper allowed during technical outages
CBP retains authority to require or accept a paper Form I-418 if technical difficulties make electronic submission impossible, such as system outages or lack of internet access, or at CBP's discretion.
No extra fees to go digital
CBP states there are no extra fees for commercial vessel operators to switch from paper Form I-418 to the electronic process; the change is intended to make arrivals and departures faster and easier without added charges.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-16911, Accuracy of Importer of Record Data Submitted to CBP
Starting September 18, 2026, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will crack down on importers by making sure all their info on Form 5106 is 100% accurate. If importers or their brokers mess up or give wrong details, their Importer of Record (IOR) numbers could be canceled right away. This means importers need to double-check their info to avoid losing their IOR number and facing enforcement actions.
2026-16432, Imposition of Import Restrictions on Categories of Archaeological and Ethnological Material of Nepal
This document amends U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations to reflect the imposition of import restrictions on certain archaeological and ethnological material from the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal (Nepal). These restrictions are imposed pursuant to an agreement between the United States and Nepal, entered into under the authority of the Convention on Cultural Property Implementation Act. This document amends the CBP regulations by adding Nepal to the list of countries which have bilateral agreements with the United States imposing cultural property import restrictions and contains the Designated List, describing the archaeological and ethnological material to which the restrictions apply.
2026-15610, Agency Information Collection Activities; Extension; Free Trade Agreements (FTAs)
The Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will be submitting the following information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA). The information collection is published in the Federal Register to obtain comments from the public and affected agencies.
2026-15609, Agency Information Collection Activities; Revision; Cargo Manifest/Declaration, Stow Plan, Container Status Messages and Importer Security Filing
The Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will be submitting the following information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA). The information collection is published in the Federal Register to obtain comments from the public and affected agencies.
2026-15530, Customs User Fees To Be Adjusted for Inflation in Fiscal Year 2027
This document announces that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is adjusting certain customs user fees and corresponding limitations established by the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) for Fiscal Year 2027 in accordance with the Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act) as implemented by the CBP regulations.
2026-15310, Air Declaration Zone Test: Extension
This notice announces that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is extending the Air Declaration Zone Test for an additional two years. Current CBP regulations require each traveler to provide a CBP officer with an oral or written declaration of all articles brought into the United States. The Air Declaration Zone Test streamlines the processing of travelers who enter the United States at air ports of entry by allowing a demonstrative initial declaration to separate travelers who do not have items to declare from those who have items to declare and, in some cases, replace the provision of oral or written declarations.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-19982, Rescission of the Management and Protection of the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska Regulations, Issued May 7, 2024
The Bureau of Land Management is canceling the 2024 rules about managing the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska to clear up confusion and follow the law better. This change affects companies and communities involved with the Reserve and takes effect on December 17, 2025. It aims to make energy policies smoother without adding new costs or delays.
Next: 2025-19999, Amendment of Jet Routes and Domestic Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal Airways and Revocation of VOR Federal Airway; Eastern United States; Correction
The FAA fixed a typo in a recent rule that changes several jet routes and VOR airways in the eastern U.S., including removing one airway. These updates affect pilots flying those routes and take effect on November 27, 2025, with no extra costs involved. It’s a quick but important correction to keep the skies safe and clear!