Subject: Transmission of Personally-Identifiable Information (PII)
In accordance with Title 19, United States Code (U.S.C.), Section 1431 electronic vessel cargo
information provided to CBP via Vessel AMS is subject to public disclosure. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations at Title 19, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Section 103.31 identify the following data elements that are made available to the public on a recurring basis through a subscription that is administered by the Office of Finance and the Office of Information and Technology:
Carrier code
Manifest quantity
Notify party name (1)
Vessel country code
Manifest units
Notify party address (1)
Vessel name
Weight
Piece count
Voyage number
Weight unit
Description of goods
District/port of unlading
Shipper name (1)
Container number
Estimated arrival date
Shipper address (1)
Seal number
Bill of lading number
Consignee name (1)
Foreign port of lading
Consignee address (1)
In an effort to assist CBP officers in screening and targeting vessel shipments prior to arrival, vessel carriers and non-vessel operating common carriers (NVOCC) have been transmitting personally-identifiable information via Vessel AMS in the cargo description field and the marks and numbers field. Since both fields are routinely provided to the public, CBP will not allow any personally-identifiable information to be transmitted in this manner. Vessel AMS participants shall not transmit personally‑identifiable information to CBP through the automated system of record, currently Vessel AMS.
This policy has been distributed to CBP field officers.
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(1) Designates a data element which will be deleted where confidentiality has been requested (19 CFR 103(d).