Update: Cargo Systems Messaging Service (CSMS)

In January, CBP announced the pending implementation of the new Cargo Systems Messaging Service (CSMS), Administrative Message notifications by email that were formerly issued through the Automated Broker Interface (ABI).

Now fully operational, CSMS is a searchable database of messages that pertain to ABI Filers, ACE Participants and Air, Ocean, Rail and Truck Carriers. Similar to the CROSS Rulings Database, users can search by topic and keywords. The results can be sorted by publication date, title and CSMS number. Click HERE to see the results of a sample search.

Interested parties can subscribe to receive email notifications that new messages have been posted to CSMS. You can find the CSMS by accessing Imports, then selecting Operations Support and then Automated Systems. It will save you time to bookmark the actual search page. As an added benefit, Spanish translations have been provided CBP as a courtesy to non-English speaking trade community; however, the official CBP text is the English version of the messages and/or documents.

CBP’s New System for Administrative Messages

In Message 08-0003 on January 16, 2008, Customs and Border Protection introduced the new Administrative Messaging Service (CSMS). The CSMS is the new system for distributing Administrative Messages that replaces the current distribution of messages through the Automated Broker Interface (ABI). CBP uses Administrative Messages to communicate general information including:

· Currency exchange rates.
· Changes to the HTS.
· Antidumping and countervailing duty cases.
· New or changed entry procedures.
· Port power outages and closings.
· Other government agency notices.

CBP has moved all significant Administrative Messages previously issued by ABI into the new database. For consistency, two additional zeros have been added following the hyphen for all of the converted messages. The new format for Administrative Message numbers is YY-NNNNNN. YY represents the last two digits of the calendar year and NNNNNN is a sequentially assignment number.

Effective February 11, 2008, CBP will only issue Administrative Messages using the CSMS. The trade community has two new options to obtain Administrative Messages from CBP. CSMS messages can be retrieved via a database linked to www.CBP.gov based on combination of keywords and filtering. Individuals can also elect to receive administrative messages via email by registering for a free subscription.