U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) has recently increased scrutiny regarding cargo manifest descriptions when determining admissibility of shipments entering the United States. As required by 19 CFR 128.21 a specific description of the merchandise must be entered on the cargo manifest. Vague descriptions such as “gift”, “parts”, or “accessories” are not acceptable.
It is important to work with your carriers or manifest providers to ensure that a specific description of the goods is entered when the manifest is generated. If CBP encounters a shipment with a vague description they may hold the shipment until the manifest is updated, refuse entry of the goods into the United States or issue fines and penalties due to the error.
If you have any questions, please contact transitionteamus@willsonintl.com