U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has extended the phased enforcement period for its Enhanced Air Cargo Advance Screening (ACAS) requirements through May 1, 2027, giving air carriers and eligible filers additional time to prepare for full enforcement.
The phased enforcement period had previously been scheduled to end on November 21, 2026. CBP announced the extension on August 10, 2026. The extension takes effect immediately and applies to requirements established under the Enhanced ACAS Interim Final Rule.
Importantly, the extension does not suspend existing ACAS filing requirements. Air carriers and other eligible filers must continue submitting required ACAS data as early as practicable and no later than before cargo is loaded onto an aircraft destined for the United States.
What Is Enhanced ACAS?
The Air Cargo Advance Screening program requires certain advance shipment information to be submitted to CBP for air cargo destined for the United States. The information allows CBP and the Transportation Security Administration to assess potential security risks before cargo is loaded onto a U.S.-bound aircraft.
Enhanced ACAS requirements took effect on November 21, 2025 and expanded the information required for air cargo shipments.
In addition to previously required information such as shipper and consignee names and addresses, cargo descriptions, quantity, weight and air waybill information, Enhanced ACAS added mandatory data elements including:
- Consignee email address and phone number
- Shipment packing and/or scheduled pickup location
- Ship-to party information
- Verified Known Consignor status
Additional information may also be required depending on the shipper, transaction and Verified Known Consignor status.
What the Extension Means for Air Cargo Filers
While the May 1, 2027 deadline provides additional implementation time, CBP expects affected parties to continue working toward full compliance during the extended phased enforcement period.
Air carriers and eligible filers should continue submitting required ACAS data, promptly address data quality issues identified by CBP, and confirm that internal systems can meet the technical requirements necessary for full enforcement.
Companies should also continue coordinating with CBP as needed to resolve implementation or system issues.
The additional time gives affected organizations an opportunity to review their air cargo data processes, work with customers and supply chain partners to improve the accuracy and completeness of required information, and ensure systems are prepared ahead of full enforcement.
Importers and other companies shipping goods by air should also be prepared to provide their carriers and logistics providers with complete and accurate shipment information to support ACAS filings.
Contact the Alba team with questions about Enhanced ACAS requirements or preparing your air cargo shipments for the May 1, 2027, enforcement deadline.
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