What is AMS

AMS, abbreviation of Automated Manifest System, is a electronic transmission

system to US Customs (CBP) before the actual arrival of cargo in US territory. This
system originally started as to simplify the custom procedure, but recently, the
main focus has shifted to inspect cargo in advance to avoid terror and to tighten
security measures. CBP : Customs and Border Protection - New Official Name for
US Customs. Sub-organization of US DHS (Department of Homeland Security)


What is the basic difference between AMS and other nation's declaration
system?
AMS requires mandatory submission of electronic declarations within 4 hours
before the arrival at first US stations. Secondly, the Carrier must transmit both
MAWB and HAWB. Thirdly, any mis-input in Data, late or omission of transmission
are subject to penalty.

What is the estimated amount of fine for each AMS Data failure and who is
subject to fine?
For each irregularity case per MAWB/HAWB, USD5,000 - USD 10,000 will be
imposed to the Carrier. According to US DHS Regulation 122.48[c][3], the Carrier
could seek re-compensation to the Agent. Cases subject to penalty : Omission of
Transmission, Inaccurate Transmission, False Report Shipment of US Embargo
items.

Who is subject to AMS Transmission?
Carrier (mandatory) Freight Forwarder (AMS Deconsolidator) Importer or its
Broker (ABI : Automated Broker Interface) Express Consignment Facility



Should Forwarders register to US CBP for transmission of Air AMS?
Forwarders are not required to register to US CBP, and HAWB could be
transmitted in other ways (See Submission of AWB Data to the Carrier). However,
AMS Deconsolidator should complete registration process to acquire FIRMS Code
from CBP. FIRMS : Facilities Information and Resources Management System


Are there any exceptions to the Declaration of Air AMS?
Public aircraft, Private aircraft, Charter Flights operated by US Gov't are exempted
from Transmission of Air AMS.
What are the cities that require the Transmission of Air AMS?
All US Mainland cities and ANC, HNL.
Which regions are exempted from Transmission of Air AMS?
Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), U.S. Virgin Islands, American
Samoa, Wake Island, Midway Islands and Johnston Atoll.


When is the enforcement date of Air AMS?
Date Ports in the Following Locations
Eastern U.S.
August 13,
2004
Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Maine,
Marryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York,
North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South
Carolina, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia.
Central U.S.
October 13,
2004
Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky,
Louisana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska,
New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas,
Wisconsin
Western U.S.
December 13,
2004
Alaska, Arizona, california, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana,
Nevada, North Dakota, Oregon, Utah, Washington

Does the enforcement date above applies to first station (including T/L) or final
destination?

A : Air AMS applies to the first station (including T/L). For MASkargo, all MH
flights to New York will take effect from 13th August, 2004. For MH flights
to Los Angeles, Air AMS will take effect from 13th December, 2004.
Who is responsible for Air AMS Data input?

A : In general, the Carrier is responsible for MAWB Data input, and the
Agent (Departure Station) is responsible for HAWB Data input.
What is the time limit for Air AMS and which station is in charge of sending Air
AMS data to CBP?
A : Air AMS Data should be sent no later than 4 hours before arrival of the
first station in US territory. For MASkargo, the first departure station will be
in charge of sending Air AMS data to CBP.