U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has given the air cargo industry more time to comply with its expanded advance-data rule. In Cargo Systems Messaging Service message #69486540, sent on August 10, 2026, CBP said the phased enforcement period for the Enhanced Air Cargo Advance Screening (ACAS) interim final rule is extended, effective immediately, from November 21, 2026 to May 1, 2027.
ACAS requires air carriers and other eligible filers to send CBP specific data about each shipment as early as practicable, and no later than before the cargo is loaded onto an aircraft bound for the United States. The enhanced rule took effect on November 21, 2025 and added new mandatory data elements: the consignee’s email address and phone number, the shipment packing location and/or scheduled pickup location, and the ship-to party. Further elements can be required in certain circumstances, for example when the shipper is not a verified known consignor or when the goods were bought through an e-commerce platform. In the rule, CBP said the changes address ongoing aviation security threats and pointed to incendiary devices that caused fires at air cargo facilities in Europe in July 2024.
CBP said the extension is meant to support operational readiness and give the trade community more time to complete system integrations, refine compliance procedures and resolve data quality issues. Existing requirements do not pause. During the extension, carriers and filers are expected to keep submitting ACAS data under the current regulations, promptly fix data quality issues CBP identifies, confirm that their systems can meet the technical specifications for full enforcement, and stay in contact with CBP representatives. “CBP strongly encourages all affected parties to use this additional time to complete necessary preparations,” the message says.
What it means for shippers
- The deadline is for carriers and filers, but the data starts with you. An airline or forwarder can only transmit a consignee email, phone number and delivery address if the importer and the overseas supplier provide them.
- Expect more questions at booking. The ship-to party is the name and address of the first party scheduled to physically receive the shipment after CBP releases it. If your freight goes to a warehouse or a job site rather than your office, say so up front.
- Fix gaps before the freight reaches the airline. ACAS data is due before loading, so missing or inaccurate details are a problem at origin, not after the flight lands.
- Use the extra months. Review your shipping instructions and supplier templates now. For what applies to your own shipments, check with your customs broker or forwarder.
Go Trucking Services handles air freight and LAX CFS pickup and delivery for shippers in Greater Los Angeles — see Air Freight and Drayage, or request a quote on the home page.
Sources:
- CBP: CSMS #69486540, Extension of Enhanced Air Cargo Advance Screening (ACAS) Full Enforcement Phase
- Federal Register: Enhanced Air Cargo Advance Screening (ACAS), interim final rule, November 21, 2025
Image: Raimond Spekking, via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0).
