Cargo Descriptions on Export Documentation

Customers are reminded, advance manifest security regulations in all the markets served by ACL require a precise and accurate cargo description to feature on all bill of ladings.

These regulations consistently state that the descriptions must be clear, concise, and written in plain language allowing them to easily identify the cargo and complete the pre-arrival risk assessments, facilitating the movement of low-risk shipments.

We urge Customers to review their cargo descriptions checking them against the appropriate Authorities guidelines accessible via the links below (correct at time of publishing).

Canada Customs:	Detailed commercial reporting requirements & commodity descriptions
US Customs:	Examples of Unacceptable vs Acceptable Cargo Descriptions for US CBP
EU Customs:	Union Customs Code Guidance Documents from European Commission
UK Customs:	Excel Spreadsheet of ENS Dataset, bottom tab labelled Unacceptable Goods Description

Customers are also reminded that in addition to refusing cargo loading, Customs Authorities can also raise penalties for non-compliant cargo descriptions, if incurred these will be passed along for the Customer’s account.

Thank you for your attention and compliance.