APHIS Reminds Importers to File APHIS Core Message Set Before Sending Cargo to Plant Inspection Station to Avoid Delays

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) reminds brokers, filers, forwarders, carriers, and other members of the importing community that an APHIS Core Message Set for clearance must be filed prior to moving cargo to Plant Inspection Stations (PIS) for inspection.
 

When submitting electronic information through the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE), a properly filed APHIS Core message set is required to be submitted along with any required documents in the ACE Document Imaging System (DIS). Failure to provide this information in the appropriate manner (electronic or paper) will result in cargo delays.

If the cargo is exempt from electronic submission, or a non-electronic means of clearance is being used, and the cargo must go to an APHIS PIS for clearance, then a properly completed PPQ 368 paper form and accompanying paper documents must be submitted for clearance of cargo.

APHIS recommends that importers submit both electronic information or paper documentation in advance of the cargo’s arrival, including products that meet U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requirements for de minimis exemptions. ACE and the APHIS Core message set provides for faster clearance. APHIS accepts the use of test Entry Type 86 for cargo meeting the requirements of CBP’s de minimis exemptions.

For more on how to file an APHIS Core message set, please visit our website at www.aphis.usda.gov/ace. For information about entry types and their APHIS Core requirements, go to “When to Submit an APHIS Core message set, by Entry Type, in ACE”.

The APHIS Core Message Set Help Desk operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 7:00 pm Eastern Time. You can reach the Help Desk by calling 1-833-481-2102 or e-mailing ace.itds@usda.gov. If you are inquiring about a rejection or error for your message set, please be ready with any error codes or a copy of the message set that was filed.