Request for accurate cargo information for shipments to and through the U.S.

Important Other

2025.09.30

Thank you for your continued support of the ANA group.
Regarding the subject, the data we receive from customers at the origin often does not meet the requirements of the U.S. authorities, resulting in frequent cases where fines are imposed by the U.S. authorities. In light of this, we would like to share common cases of omissions and inaccurate information. We kindly ask you to review the details and provide accurate information.
Please note that if penalties or fines are imposed on us by the U.S. authorities and the cause is determined to be attributable to the customer, we will seek indemnification for such charges.
 We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

Operational Alert

1. Providing "precise" merchandise descriptions
   A precise cargo description is a description of an item that is clear and concise. The description should be in plain language and detailed enough to allow U.S. Customs and Border Protection to identify the size, shape and characteristics of the commodity. Only the cargo description should be included in this field of the transmission.
   If the U.S. authorities determine that the declared description is not precise, penalties and fines may be imposed. Please refer to the list of Unacceptable names below and provide us with precise descriptions.
   

   Description List:
   https://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/2024-07/acceptable-cargo-desc-508c-05.16_0.pdf
   *Information may be updated, so please check the following website for the latest information.
   https://www.cbp.gov/trade/automated/cargo-systems-messaging-service

2. Providing Accurate SLAC piece counting
   For shipment arriving in the United States, whether consolidated  cargo or straight cargo, it is required to declare the "total quantity based on the smallest external packing unit". If this quantity differs from the actual number shown on the AWB or House AWB, please provide the SLAC (Shipper Load And Count) quantity information in accordance with the following procedure.
   1. Please indicate the SLAC quantity in the "Nature and Quantity of Goods" field or the "No. of Pieces" field on the MAWB and House Manifest.
   2. When transmitting the information electronically via Cargo-IMP (FWB/FHL) or Cargo-XML (XFWB/XFZB), please ensure that the SLAC quantity is included.
   3. When entering AWB/HAWB information through eSPICA, please input the SLAC quantity in the respective "SLAC pieces" field.
      
      (Example requiring SLAC quantity)
      When four cartons, which represent the total quantity based on the smallest external packing unit, are palletized and transported as one consolidated shipment, the SLAC quantity "4" must be declared on both the MAWB and the HAWB.
      
      
      <MAWB>
      Number of pieces    : 1
      Number of SLAC pieces    : 4

      <HAWB>
      Number of pieces    : 1
      Number of SLAC pieces    : 4

      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      

3. Providing Accurate Shipper Name and Address
   1. For Master AWB of consolidated cargo, please provide the name and address of the consolidator.
   2. For House AWB of consolidated cargo, or for straight AWBs, please provide the name of the foreign vendor, supplier, manufacturer, or other similar party. The identity of a carrier, freight forwarder or consolidator is not acceptable.The address must be a foreign address. U.S Addresses are not acceptable.
      
      
4. ACAS Self-reporter (Direct filer) shipments
   For customers handling SP (Small Package) shipments, please take the following measures.
   
   1. Please submit the HAWB data to CBP in advance and confirm that it received "SF: Assessment complete" responses from US authorities without problems before delivering the shipment to ANA.
   2. The indication of "(Name of Agent) has transmitted ACAS data directly to U.S. authorities" must be entered in the Handling Information column on MAWB.
      《Indication on MAWB》
      ・In case of directly transmitting ACAS
      (Name of Agent) has transmitted HAWB ACAS Data directly to U.S. authorities, and has received SF approval without any problems.
      ・In case of directly transmitting both AMS & ACAS
      (Name of Agent) has transmitted HAWB AMS/ACAS Data directly to U.S. authorities, and has received SF approval without any problems.
   3. If you received a *PER/PSN message from US authorities after the shipment is delivered, please notify us as soon as possible.
      *PER/PSN = SN、6H、6J、6I、7H、7J、7I、8H、8J、8I

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