Do your competitors have access to information listed in your Bill of Lading? Why provide your competitors the advantages needed to gain control over your market? In our previous blog post “Do You Keep Your Manifest Information Confidential” we discussed the relevant privacy statute, what information is published publicly, and what information you can request CBP keep confidential.

 


Today, the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has implemented an automated online application for submitting electronic vessel manifest confidentiality requirements. This new and innovative online application provides the ability to personally manage your confidentiality requests electronically.

Currently the confidential manifest request must be submitted via mail or email. In efforts to eliminate this lengthy, and expensive  60 to 90-day paper process, the new application created by CBP will reduce the processing time down to 24 hours.

Once received, CBP processes the confidentiality request according to the information provided. For confidentiality to be effective, the name provided must exactly match the importer/consignee name as it is entered electronically in the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) by the trade or their carrier/filing party. It is the responsibility of the requesting entity to verify that they are providing an accurate request.

The granting of confidentiality will be valid for two (2) years from the date the request is processed and covers all ports of entry. Renewal requests should be made at least 60-90 days prior to expiration of the current approval.

There is no fee to CBP associated with the request for confidentiality.

How can we help you? At Diaz Trade Law we can assist you to ensure you send CBP an effective request for confidentiality. Contact us today at info@diaztradelaw.com or 305-456-3830 to stop providing your competitors access to your private data!