Air Cargo Shippers Must Spill More Secrets Before U.S. Landing
Published Date: 11/21/2025
Rule
Summary
Starting November 21, 2025, air cargo companies shipping goods to the U.S. must send more detailed info about their shipments before planes take off. This helps Customs spot risky cargo early and keep flights safer. If you’re in the air cargo business, get ready for these new rules and share your thoughts by January 20, 2026!
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
New ACAS data transmission rules
Starting November 21, 2025, air cargo carriers and other eligible filers must send an expanded set of ACAS data to U.S. Customs and Border Protection before cargo is loaded onto a U.S.-bound aircraft. The rule keeps the ACAS timing requirement that data be sent "as early as practicable, but not later than prior to loading," and mandates new mandatory, conditional, and optional data elements.
More parties can be ACAS filers
The rule confirms that eligible ACAS filers include ABI filers (importers or brokers), Container Freight Station/deconsolidators, Express Consignment Carrier Facilities, air carriers that arranged transport, and foreign indirect air carriers (freight forwarders). If an eligible party does not file ACAS data, the party that arranges or delivers the cargo must fully disclose required ACAS data to the inbound air carrier.
Do-Not-Load orders and penalties risk
CBP (working with TSA) can issue Do-Not-Load (DNL) instructions that prohibit loading cargo onto an aircraft if the targeting assessment shows an immediate or lethal threat. The IFR restates that failure to comply with ACAS obligations may result in liquidated damages and/or penalties, and TSA may also assess penalties under its rules.
New types of data required (marketplaces, finances)
The enhanced ACAS data elements add information about the parties involved, their relationships, financial data related to shipments, and additional identifying details for certain online marketplaces and shipments from individuals with unknown risk profiles. CBP and TSA say these new elements help the joint targeting operation identify higher-risk shipments.
ACAS data protected from public disclosure
The IFR includes a provision on exemption of ACAS data from disclosure and CBP is required by statute to protect business proprietary and other confidential cargo information. This means certain ACAS submissions will be shielded from public disclosure.
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Key Dates
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