In-Bond Advance Notification Rules 

There is more to the one hour advance notification rules than just faxing the documents ahead to your broker.  Please read this thoroughly if you are involved in moving freight In-Bond through the U.S.

CBP        -  U. S. Customs and Border Protection

CAFES  –  Customs Automated Forms Entry System (Line Release for In-Bond, uses a 2-D Bar-Code)

QP/WP (aka Automated In-Bond)  –  Automated Broker Interface function that allows In-Bond data to be transmitted to CBP

Effective November 15, 2004 either CAFES or Automated In-Bond are the only authorized methods to move freight In-Bond.  Effective December 1, 2004 violators can be fined $5,000 or $10,000 per violation - please see link for details http://www.glcbi.com/Info_Nov15b.asp   There will be no more showing up at the border and having the old paper (CBP Form 7512) In-Bond document prepared.  For both of the new In-Bond processes the driver MUST have the completed CBP Form 7512, with the required In-Bond Bar-code, to hand into CBP at the primary inspection booth when the truck arrives at the Border.

FOR AUTOMATED IN-BOND, the Carrier (or exporter) must fax the broker the Customs documents.  The broker then prepares the CBP Form 7512 and transmits the data to CBP.  The data transmission must be RECEIVED AND ACCEPTED BY CBP at least one hour in advance of arrival at the border.  The broker then must email the completed document with the proper Bar-code, in Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) format to the carrier or exporter (the Bar-code is a 1-D bar-code of the In-Bond number) for the driver to hand in when the truck arrives at the border.

CAFES works like line release in that data is not transmitted to CBP in advance of arrival at the border.  The Carrier (or exporter) must fax the broker the Customs documents.  The broker then prepares the CBP Form 7512 with the 2-D bar-code.  The 2-D bar-code contains all of the information contained on the CBP Form 7512.  The broker then must email the completed document with the proper 2-D Bar-code, in Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) format to the carrier or exporter.   (Note: the 2-D Bar-code does not always print properly… it depends on how Adobe Acrobat is configured in the computer that prints the document… some testing may be needed).

Effective November 15, 2004, Great Lakes Customs Brokerage will be charging more for the completion of each In-Bond CBP Form 7512.  For pricing contact your Great Lakes customer service team.  (Note: goods subject to FDA Prior Notice must also meet FDA’s Prior Notice rules even though the shipment is moving In-Bond}.

NOTE TO CARRIERS: you have the option of completing (and transmitting when applicable) your own Automated In-Bond or CAFES CBP Form 7512 documents.  SmartBorder.com has created a module that can be used by all carriers.  There is a one time license, set-up and training fee of $2,500.  After that the price is $1.00 per bond, minimum $100 per month.  If you are interested in this program please contact SmartBorder directly… John D’Apollo, jdapollo@smartborder.com , or by phone at 866-661-4500 ext 201.