U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recently issued a Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) for Electronic Export Manifest for Ocean Cargo.
The NPRM proposes to amend regulations to require the advance submission of electronic export manifest (EEM) information to CBP for cargo transported by ocean vessel departing the United States. The proposed rule would require an EEM filing 24 hours prior to cargo loading before vessel departure. Requiring advance transmission of EEM data would significantly improve cargo safety and security while minimizing disruption to the flow of commerce for exports.
CBP began EEM Pilot testing September 2015 and the Pilot testing for rail, ocean, and air modes are ongoing. EEM will require data from both the highest-level bill of lading/air waybill and from the lowest level bill of lading/air waybill. Once the proposed EEM Rule is finalized, the data requirements will be defined.
It is important to note that EEM is distinct and separate from the Electronic Export Information (EEI) filed in the AES.
EEM vs. EEI. EEM is the electronic export manifest filing which CBP will use for pre-departure targeting while EEI, which is currently filed in AES (Automated Export System), will continue to be used for statistical and enforcement purposes.
The NPRM document details CBP’s proposed rule to require advance electronic submission of ocean export cargo data to enhance security, streamline processes, and close enforcement gaps. It can be viewed here.
The NPRM invited comments to the Proposed Rule to be submitted by April 13, 2026. Trade Tech responded with comments. Comments of all parties can be viewed here.
If you have any questions, please contact the team at ttsales@tradetech.net.
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