CBP Updates Boring Import Form—Comments Welcome!
Published Date: 12/1/2025
Notice
Summary
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is updating the paperwork for importing goods using CBP Form 3461. This affects businesses and agencies involved in shipping and customs, giving them a chance to comment by December 31, 2025. The update aims to keep things smooth and efficient without adding extra costs or delays.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Large estimated paperwork burden for filers
CBP estimates ACE Cargo Release will have 9,810 respondents making 3,041 responses each for a total of 29,832,210 annual responses at 10 minutes per response (total 4,972,035 annual burden hours). For Form 3461 paper/electronic, CBP estimates 12,995 respondents with 12,995 total annual responses at 15 minutes per response (total 3,249 annual burden hours).
New optional Global Business Identifiers
If you import goods or act as a broker, CBP is adding new optional Global Business Identifier (GBI) data fields and expanding the kinds of supply-chain parties that can be identified. The Test adds two new party types called "Intermediary" and "Source," lets filers submit one or more identifiers (LEI, DUNS, GLN) instead of all three, and will add the Altana ID (ALTA) as an available identifier; all participation and data submission are voluntary.
New Russian sanctions data elements added
CBP is adding new data elements to Form 3461/ACE Cargo Release to comply with Executive Order 14114 (published December 22, 2023). The form instructions and text fields have been updated to include these Russian sanctions data elements.
ACE Cargo Release can replace Form 3461 filings
Importers or brokers may file ACE Cargo Release data in place of CBP Form 3461 using 12 required data elements (for example: importer of record, HTS 10-digit number, country of origin, bill of lading) and up to four optional elements. CBP says ACE Cargo Release is intended to reduce transaction costs, expedite cargo release, minimize redundant data submissions, and allow earlier filing in the transportation flow.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-06164 — Addition of Preclearance Facility at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport
U.S. Customs and Border Protection just opened a new preclearance spot at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport starting March 10, 2026. This means travelers flying directly to the U.S. from there can clear customs and immigration before they even board, making arrivals smoother and faster. If you fly from this airport, expect quicker entry into the U.S. with less hassle and no extra fees.
2026-04786 — Extension of Import Restrictions Imposed on Certain Archaeological and Ecclesiastical Ethnological Material of Colombia
The U.S. is extending import restrictions on certain ancient and religious artifacts from Colombia until March 10, 2031. This means collectors, museums, and sellers need to keep following the rules to protect Colombia’s cultural treasures. The extension starts March 10, 2026, and helps stop illegal imports without affecting regular trade money flows.
2025-23213 — Notice of Revocation of Customs Brokers' National Permits
Customs brokers who didn’t pay their 2025 permit fee by January 31 lost their national permits. This means they can’t legally operate until they fix the fee issue. If you’re one of these brokers, act fast to avoid business disruptions and possible money troubles.
2025-21732 — Customs Broker Permit User Fee Payment for 2026
If you’re a customs broker, your 2026 permit user fee is $185.38, due by January 30, 2026. This fee went up a bit because of inflation rules from a law called the FAST Act. So, mark your calendar and get ready to pay on time to keep your permit active and hassle-free!
2025-21606 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Extension; International Mail Duty Worksheet
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection is asking to keep using the International Mail Duty Worksheet, which helps figure out taxes on packages coming from other countries. If you send or receive international mail, this affects you! They want your feedback by January 30, 2026, but there’s no new cost or big changes—just a paperwork extension to keep things running smoothly.
2025-21607 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Revision; Entry Summary
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is updating the paperwork they collect for entry summaries, which affects businesses importing goods. They’re asking for public feedback by December 31, 2025, to make sure the process is clear and efficient. No big cost changes are expected, but your input can help shape how easy or tricky this paperwork is in the future!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-21725 — SES Performance Review Board
The National Transportation Safety Board just named the team that will review how well their top senior executives perform in 2025. This group checks bosses’ performance ratings and helps decide if they deserve rewards or improvements. If you’re a senior leader at NTSB, expect your work to be reviewed by this new board soon—no direct money changes announced yet, but your performance matters!
Next: 2025-21727 — Combined Notice of Filings #1
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission got several filings from energy companies like Public Service Company of New Mexico and Aron Energy Prepay LLCs about updates to electric rates and company status. These changes could affect how energy prices and rules work, with some updates set to take effect as soon as May or August 2025. If you want to comment, deadlines are coming up fast in November and December 2025.
Take It Personal
Get Your Personalized Policy View
Start a Free Government Policy Watch to see how policy affects your household, then upgrade to PRIA Full Coverage for year-round monitoring.
Already have an account? Sign in