CBP has announced a new electronic way for importers and exporters to request confidentiality of vessel manifest data. According to CBP, this much improved process allows importers and exporters to receive CBP approval in as little as 24 hours. Many companies have been interested in obtaining vessel manifest confidentiality, but the process was initiated only through email, fax or letter, and could take 60-90 days to receive an approval.

CBP’s vessel manifest data, which could contain business sensitive information about an importer’s or exporter’s shipments is compiled daily and is made available to the public for purchase and supplied by CBP on CD-ROMs. These CD-ROMs are available for specific days or on a subscription basis. Manifest data for importers or exporters that have requested and received approval for confidential treatment of their shipment data is not available to the public.

With this new process, requests for confidential treatment of name and address on inward and outward vessel manifests can be submitted through the new online application form found on CBP’s Electronic Vessel Manifest Confidentiality Webpage instead of through paper mailings. Per CBP, online submissions reduce processing time of confidentiality requests from between 60 and 90 days to as little as 24 hours.

Additionally, the new online application enables companies and individuals to directly input all applicable name variations as part of their confidentiality request. This will enhance the requesting party’s ability to ensure that a name provided matches the name entered electronically in ACE.

Confidentiality certifications for importers and exporters must be renewed every two years from the date of validation.

Interested importers and exporters are encouraged to review the Electronic Vessel Manifest Confidentiality Information Notice and access the new online application by visiting the Electronic Vessel Manifest Confidentiality Webpage on CBP.gov.

Please contact your V. Alexander account team with any questions and follow us on our website www.valexander.com for updates on this and other topics.