Wednesday, 24 June 2026 / Published in The BOC Blast

Blast #603 Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries (CAPE) for IEEPA Refunds – Entries Flagged for Reconciliation

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

CSMS # 69035485 – UPDATE – Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries
(CAPE) for IEEPA Refunds – Entries Flagged for Reconciliation

On April 20, 2026, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) launched the first phase of the Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries (CAPE) tool in the Automated Commercial Environment to process refunds of International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) duties. The purpose of this message is to provide updated guidance on the availability as of June 29, 2026, of new functionality for CAPE that provides for the acceptance of entries flagged for reconciliation with no reconciliation entry on file.

GUIDANCE

Entries Flagged for Reconciliation with No Reconciliation on File

All filing and processing requirements from the first phase of CAPE remain in effect. For detailed information, please see C SMS # 68340863 – UPDATE – Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries (CAPE) for IEEPA Refunds, April 20, 2026, Deployment. Effective June 29, 2026, CAPE will accept entries flagged for reconciliation (entry types 01, 02, 06) for which the reconciliation entry (entry type 09) has not been filed. Consistent with CAPE Phase 1, the entries flagged for reconciliation will be limited to unliquidated entries and entries within 80 days of liquidation.

Once the entries flagged for reconciliation are accepted on a CAPE declaration, the trade may file the reconciliation entry. The CAPE process removes the IEEPA duties from the flagged entries prior to the filing of the reconciliation entry, separating the IEEPA duty refund from the calculations on the reconciliation entry. Once the reconciliation entry is filed, CBP will assume that all the CAPE declarations associated with the reconciled entries were filed and accepted. Once a reconciliation entry is filed, the underlying entries will not be eligible to be filed on a CAPE Declaration in this phase, pursuant to the June 29, 2026, deployment.

Entries Flagged for Reconciliation with Reconciliation on File

Entries flagged for reconciliation with the reconciliation entry already on file are not included in the June 29, 2026CAPE deployment. The CAPE process does not prevent an entry from being reconciled. If the reconciliation filing deadline is close to expiring (e.g., less than 30 days), the trade will need to prioritize the filing of the reconciliation. Entries flagged for reconciliation with a reconciliation entry already on file will be included in a future phase of CAPE development.

As future CAPE enhancements are deployed, CBP will issue Cargo Systems Messaging Service (CSMS) messages providing filing requirements and guidance.

If you encounter any errors in filing an entry summary, contact your CBP client representative or the ACE Help Desk.

Questions regarding this message should be directed to CBP at IEEPAREFUNDS@cbp.dhs.gov.

Related Message Number(s): 68315804, 68340863, 68396594

adminboc

Wednesday, 24 June 2026 / Published in The BOC Blast

Blast #602 Ongoing Space Issues For Shipment Ex India Market

Ongoing Space Issues For Shipment Ex India Market

BOC would like to share an important update on the current shipping situation from India. Over the past few weeks, we have witnessed significant capacity tightening, and we believe it is essential to keep you fully informed.

The Root Cause: Geopolitical Disruption, Not Just Demand Shifts

The ongoing geopolitical conflicts (particularly the Red Sea crisis and related route diversions) have become the major trigger, creating a ripple effect across global shipping networks. Here’s how it’s impacting India-export cargo:

Vessel rerouting and extended voyage times – Due to security risks in the Red Sea / Gulf of Aden region, a large number of vessels are being forced to take the longer route around the Cape of Good Hope. This has significantly increased round-trip voyage durations, effectively absorbing a substantial portion of global fleet capacity, and thrown scheduling into disarray.
Service cancellations and blank sailings – To manage this disruption, carriers have been forced to suspend or adjust long-established India-US services (e.g., the 12-year-old Indus Express), and multiple blank sailings are already scheduled through mid-July.
Resulting impact on rates and space – The combined effect of reduced effective capacity and higher operational costs has pushed spot rates dramatically higher, with further GRI and PSS announcements already confirmed for early July.

Our action plan to secure your shipments:

Extended booking forecast – We strongly recommend sharing shipping forecast for the next 6–8 weeks, so we can pre-block vessel space with carriers as early as possible.
Authorization to confirm bookings – Given that available space is now often gone within hours of release, we kindly request your authorization to go ahead and confirm bookings whenever we find available space, without seeking separate prior approval for each shipment. This will save critical turnaround time and ensure you aren’t left without a vessel when your cargo is ready. Please let us know if we have your green light to proceed this way – or if you prefer us to seek case-by-case confirmation (with the understanding that we may lose some space during the back-and-forth).

adminboc

Tuesday, 16 June 2026 / Published in The BOC Blast

Blast # 601 Importer Security Filing Facts and Details

Importer Security Filing Facts and Details

ISF (Importer Security Filing) is just as important as ever!

https://www.cbp.gov/border-security/ports-entry/cargo-security/importer-security-filing-102

Key points:

ISF must be filed prior to departure of the vessel at origin.
Importer of Record is the party responsible for providing and filing the required information, and the party CBP assesses penalties to for late, incorrect or incomplete ISF filing.

What is an Importer Security Filing?

Before merchandise arriving by vessel can be imported into the United States, the “Importer Security Filing (ISF) Importer,” or their agent (e.g., licensed customs broker), must electronically submit certain advance cargo information to CBP in the form of an Importer Security Filing.

This requirement only applies to cargo arriving in the United States by ocean vessel; it does not apply to cargo arriving by other modes of transportation.

Information required to be submitted includes Seller name, Buyer name, Importer of Record, Consignee name, Manufacturer (or Supplier), Ship to party, Country of origin of the product, HTS number, Container stuffing location and Consolidator

Who is Responsible for the Filing?

The ISF Importer (the US Importer of Record) (or their agent) is required to submit the Importer Security Filing. The ISF Importer is the party causing the goods to arrive within the limits of a port in the United States by vessel. Typically, the ISF Importer is the goods’ owner, purchaser, consignee, or agent

such as a licensed customs broker.

Where does the information come from?

The ISF is a ‘partnership’ between Shippers, Forwarders, Consolidators and Importers. Different information is supplied by different parties. But at the end of the day, the Importer is the one ultimately responsible for providing the required data to US Customs.

Importers either need to provide their US Customs broker with all the data to file ISF, or they need to rely on their shippers to provide the information to the US Customs broker. But the US Importer is still responsible.

Penalties

CBP may issue liquidated damages of $5,000 per violation for the submission of an inaccurate, incomplete or untimely filing.

If goods for which an ISF has not been filed arrive in the U.S.:

CBP may withhold the release or transfer of the cargo;
CBP may refuse to grant a permit to unlade for the merchandise; and if such cargo is unladen without permission, it may be subject to seizure.

Additionally, noncompliant cargo could be subject to “do not load” orders at origin or further inspection on arrival.

adminboc

Monday, 15 June 2026 / Published in The BOC Blast

Blast # 600 ACE Portal Webinar: How to Set Up and Manage an ACE Portal Account

ACE Portal Webinar: How to Set Up and Manage an
ACE Portal Account

Cargo Systems Messaging Service

CSMS # 68952537 – ACE Portal Webinar: How to Set Up and Manage an
ACE Portal Account on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. ET

U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Office of Trade is hosting a webinar on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. ET titled How to Set Up and Manage an ACE Portal Account. This webinar will provide an overview of how to set up an ACE Portal Account, along with information on new webforms and Trade Account Owner (TAO) functionality. We will also address common questions and solutions and provide an overview of recent portal improvements.

To register for this free webinar, click here. All registrants will receive the access link for the webinar the day before the event, but entry into the webinar is on a first-come, first-served basis as seats are limited. After the live event, this and other previously recorded webinars will be available for replay at Trade Outreach Webinars.

If you have any questions about this webinar, please contact OTRwebinars@cbp.dhs.gov.

adminboc

Tuesday, 09 June 2026 / Published in The BOC Blast

Blast # 599 Changes to Importer of Record Requirements (Especially Foreign Importers)

Changes to Importer of Record Requirements

(Especially Foreign Importers)

From: whitehouse.gov

https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2026/06/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-strengthens-customs-enforcement

DIRECTING COMPREHENSIVE CUSTOMS REFORM: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order that will strengthen the enforcement of U.S. customs laws through comprehensive reform.

The Order directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to strengthen several requirements for importers of record (IORs). Examples include:
increasing bonding requirements and requiring IORs to maintain at all times a minimum level of tangible domestic assets, bonding, or both;
subjecting foreign IORs to heightened requirements for formal entry;
authorizing only U.S. IORs to file informal entry;
imposing a “good standing” requirement on all IORs; and
increasing vetting procedures for all individuals and entities that conduct activities directly related to the importation of goods.
The Order directs DHS and CBP to establish various disclosure and certification requirements designed to combat duty evasion and noncompliance with supply chain rules.
The Order directs DHS and CBP to increase enforcement of existing customs laws, including by establishing a 50% minimum penalty floor limiting CBP’s discretion to reduce the assessed penalties on importers who violate our customs laws.
The Order directs DHS to enhance the seizure and disposal of non-compliant imports, including by reducing regulatory burdens to voluntary abandonment and authorizing third-party disposal.
The Order directs DHS to enhance transparency in customs, including by publishing annual transparency reports.
The Order directs DHS to propose legislation to strengthen customs enforcement.

PROMOTING ECONOMIC STRENGTH AND NATIONAL SECURITY BY COMBATTING CUSTOMS FRAUD: President Trump recognizes the critical role of customs enforcement to our national security and that action is needed to address longstanding issues with the existing regulatory environment.

Customs enforcement is essential to the national security and economy of the United States. For example, it prevents the importation of unlawful and dangerous goods, and it ensures that IORs are accountable for duties owed and comply with numerous federal laws, including laws governing forced labor and product safety.
Customs reform is long overdue. Systemic inefficiencies, loopholes, insufficient enforcement mechanisms, and outdated processes have created opportunities for malign actors to evade federal law.
The Order addresses these longstanding concerns through comprehensive reform focused on protecting national security, promoting lawful trade, ensuring the timely collection of duties, modernizing systems and processes, bolstering compliance mechanisms, and protecting Americans and the domestic economy.
The Order also brings U.S. customs policy and practice in line with many of our trading partners. For example, the current practice of most foreign countries is to either prohibit foreign entities or persons from serving as the IOR or generally require that foreign importers partner with verified domestic parties. This practice promotes compliance and accountability while reducing barriers to enforcement.
The reforms directed in the Order will not take effect immediately. In general, DHS and CBP will engage with relevant stakeholders through the standard rulemaking process, meaning affected parties will have a meaningful opportunity to adjust operations, if needed.

BUILDING ON A RECORD OF PUTTING AMERICA FIRST IN TRADE: President Trump is taking action to restore integrity to our customs system, crack down on duty evasion, and ensure that foreign importers play by the rules.

On Day One, as part of his America First Trade Policy, President Trump directed his Administration to take a number of steps to ensure that duties are collected and tariffs are not evaded.
President Trump suspended the de minimis loophole — long exploited by foreign shippers to flood American markets with cheap, duty-free goods and funnel illicit fentanyl into the country.
A number of President Trump’s Agreements on Reciprocal Trade include commitments to cooperate on combatting duty evasion.
The President signed into law the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which permanently repealed the statutory basis for the de minimis exemption worldwide, effective July 1, 2027.

adminboc

Tuesday, 02 June 2026 / Published in The BOC Blast

Blast #598 Customs/CBP Form 5106 to Update Importer Information with CBP

Customs/CBP Form 5106 to Update Importer Information with CBP

Especially with the recent requirement that all CBP refunds are processed electronically to Importers, combined with the IEEPA tariff refunds all going through CAPE, and an Importer having a valid updated ACE account being a requirement before accessing CAPE, the CBP form 5106 is being requested and required often now.

CBP requires they have an Importer’s most updated information for name, address, email, phone, etc.
Customs Brokers help an importer provide this information to CBP.
But the importer still needs to complete the 5106, to provide to their Customs Broker.

https://www.cbp.gov/document/forms/cbp-form-5106-createupdate-importer-identity-form

CBP Form 5106 – Create/Update Importer Identity Form

(*The OMB Date is expired, however this form is still valid for use and is under review by OMB awaiting a new expiration date.)

CBP Form 5106, also known as the Importer Identity Form, is used to collect and maintain essential identification information for individuals and businesses involved in importing goods into the United States.

This form serves several critical purposes: it establishes or updates an importer’s identity within CBP’s systems, assigns a unique importer number (often linked to an IRS Employer Identification Number, Social Security Number, or a CBP-assigned ID), and is a prerequisite for becoming an Importer of Record.

CBP Form 5106

A couple additional notes:

The version of the form available on CBP’s site, above, shows as expired. But at this time, this form is still the version to use.
ONLY the data elements with a red asterisk * are required.
Below is additional information to aid in completing the 5106:

Determine Your Type of Action – mark all that apply – change of name, change of address/information or change of EIN

If you are changing your name or address and have an active bond with CBP, you might need to submit additional documents, as bonds need to match importer name and address

Provide Name and Identification Information

Full Legal Name (1A): Enter the full legal name of the company or individual requesting service.
Tax ID or SSN (1B): Enter IRS Employer Identification Number or Social Security Number. If you don’t have one, check “requesting a CBP-assigned number”
Division/AKA/DBA (1C-1D): If your business is a division of another company, known by another name, or operates under a different name (DBA), fill this out. If so, provide the parent company’s details here.
Request a CBP Number (1E): If you don’t have a tax ID or SSN and need a CBP-assigned number, fill this out. Also, complete block 3J with your title, name, and SSN.
CBP-Assigned Number (1F): If you already have a CBP-assigned number and are making a change, enter it here.
Type of Company (1G): Select the option that best describes your company structure (e.g., Corporation, LLC).
Estimated Imports (1H): Provide an estimate of the number of entries your company will import into the U.S. in one year.
Role (1I): Check the boxes that describe how your company’s name and identification number will be used (e.g., Importer of Record, Carrier, etc.).
CBP Partnership Programs (1J-1M): If your company participates in CBP Partnership Programs (like C-TPAT or ISA), provide the program codes here.
Your Data Universal Numbering System (D-U-N-S) Number

Company Address Information

Mailing Address (2A): Fill in importer mailing address. This is where you want correspondence sent. This includes:
Street Address: Street number or P.O. Box.
City, State/Province, Zip Code: Provide the city, state/province, and postal code.
Country ISO Code: Only required for foreign addresses.
Physical Location (2B): If your business address is different from your mailing address, enter it here. This cannot be a P.O. Box.
Contact Information (2C-2F): Provide your phone number, fax number, email address, and website (if applicable). This would be the section that will update CBP if an email change/update needs to be made.

Section 3, COMPANY INFORMATION – In most cases, the data elements in this section are optional. However, if the “I have a SSN, but wish to use a CBP-assigned number on all my entry documents” option was selected in Block 1E, you must provide your Company Position Title, Name, and SSN in Block 3J.

In some cases, Importers are able to NOT complete 3A through 3J, BUT, in some cases, CBP will come back and say this information is required.

Detailed Company Information

Business Description (3A): Write a brief description of what your business does.
NAICS Code (3B): If you know your North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code, provide it here. North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code
Dun & Bradstreet Number (3C): If available, provide your Dun & Bradstreet Number. Data Universal Numbering System (D-U-N-S) Number
Filer Code (3D): If you are a self-filer or broker using your own filer code, enter it here.
Year Established (3E): Indicate the year your company was established.
Related Businesses (3F): List the names and identification numbers of any related businesses.
Banking Information (3G): Provide the primary banking information for your company.
Articles of Incorporation (3H-3I): Provide the state or country where your business is incorporated and the unique identifying number of your certificate or articles of incorporation.
Company Officers (3J): List the beneficial owners or company officers with importing and financial knowledge of the company. Include their SSN or passport information if you selected a CBP-assigned number in 1E.

Certification – complete and sign

Return the completed 5106 to your Customs Broker and they will submit the information to CBP.

adminboc

Friday, 29 May 2026 / Published in The BOC Blast

Blast #597 Market Update

Market Update

Dear BOC Customer,

We would like to provide an important update regarding current ocean freight market conditions. We are experiencing an extremely tight space situation and significant increases in ocean freight rates beginning June 1st.

The market is being impacted by a combination of increased cargo demand, shrinking vessel capacity due to blank sailings, slow steaming initiatives to conserve fuel, and ongoing global supply chain disruptions related to geopolitical conflicts.

Below are four key reasons driving the recent surge in shipping volume:

Tariff-Driven Front Loading

Importers are pulling cargo forward to avoid potential replacement Section 301 and 232 tariffs expected after the expiration of the current Section 122 tariffs on July 24th. The USTR team, led by Ambassador Greer, along with the Administration, continues to move aggressively toward implementing new tariffs to recover lost duty revenue. In addition, a recent Court of International Trade (CIT) ruling questioning the legality of the Section 122 tariffs has created further urgency among importers to ship early.

Rising Manufacturing Input Costs

Suppliers are signaling upcoming product price increases driven by higher energy and manufacturing input costs. As a result, importers are attempting to maximize shipments under existing purchase orders before new pricing takes effect.

Traditional Peak Season Shipping

The annual pre-holiday shipping season is beginning, which traditionally increases overall cargo volumes. While current forecasts suggest a normal peak season, the seasonal increase is adding additional pressure to already constrained capacity.

Stronger U.S. Manufacturing Activity

Recent economic data has shown stronger-than-expected growth in U.S. manufacturing activity, contributing to increased freight demand.

Key manufacturing indicators include:

The S&P Global U.S. Manufacturing PMI rose to 55.3 in May, the highest reading in approximately four years and well above the 50 level that signals expansion.
The Chicago Business Barometer (Chicago PMI) surged to 62.7 from 49.2, reflecting strong growth in manufacturing activity, new orders, and production.
The Richmond Federal Reserve manufacturing survey also showed improvements in shipments, new orders, and employment.
The Federal Reserve reported that U.S. manufacturing output increased 0.6% in April, continuing a positive production trend.

With these market conditions in mind, we recommend the following:

Book Shipments Early

Please book shipments as far in advance as possible. We are currently seeing many bookings require 2–4 weeks to secure vessel space, with China origins — particularly Ningbo — experiencing the greatest challenges.

Prepare for Continued Rate Volatility

Ocean carriers continue to aggressively manage capacity, and rate increases are being driven directly by carrier pricing actions. Similar to the COVID period, carriers are increasing prices in response to elevated demand conditions to maximize profits.

Communicate Internally

Please advise all internal stakeholders to prepare for longer transit times, reduced schedule reliability, and elevated transportation costs in the near term.

Potential Fourth Quarter Relief

There is potential for lower freight costs later in the fourth quarter due to front-loading activity and slowing economic conditions. However, ongoing uncertainty surrounding tariffs and geopolitical conflicts continues to create a highly fluid market environment.

Please contact your BOC representative with any questions or for additional guidance regarding your shipments.

Thank you,

BOC International

adminboc

Monday, 25 May 2026 / Published in The BOC Blast

Blast #596 Space Equipment Report effective from May 25 – May 31 2026

Please find our newest Space and Equipment report, below.

Please note: regardless of the status showing on the report, please reach out to your BOC Representative to discuss existing status. Space availability changes daily, even multiple times per day. This report is just a general guideline. We will always do everything we can to help you move your freight.

adminboc

Tuesday, 19 May 2026 / Published in The BOC Blast

Blast # 595 Space Equipment Report effective from May 18- May 24 2026

Please find our newest Space and Equipment report, below.

adminboc

Tuesday, 19 May 2026 / Published in The BOC Blast

Blast #594 Updated Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Message Implementation Guide is Now Available