Common U.S. Customs (CBP) AMS Error Messages and How to Resolve Them
Submitting ocean manifests through the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Automated Manifest System (AMS) occasionally results in validation or filing errors. Most of these messages indicate missing information, incorrect data, or mismatches between the information submitted and CBP records.
Below are some of the most common AMS error messages along with their meaning and recommended resolution.
Invalid Carrier Code
What it Means
The SCAC (Standard Carrier Alpha Code) submitted with the manifest is not recognized or has not been authorized by CBP.
How to Resolve It
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Verify that the correct SCAC was entered.
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Confirm your Letter of Intent (LOI) has been approved by CBP.
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Contact your CBP Client Representative if necessary.
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Once authorization has been confirmed, resubmit the manifest.
Invalid Country Code
What it Means
One or more country codes included in the manifest are not valid or do not match CBP requirements.
How to Resolve It
Verify the country codes associated with:
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Origin
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Port of Loading
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Port of Discharge
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Final Destination
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Vessel Flag
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NANDA or location reference tables
Correct any invalid values before retransmitting the manifest.
Invalid Voyage or Trip Number
What it Means
The voyage or trip number contains invalid formatting, such as spaces or unsupported characters.
How to Resolve It
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Remove spaces from the voyage number.
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Create a corrected vessel voyage record if necessary.
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Transfer the Bills of Lading to the corrected voyage.
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Resubmit the manifest.
Missing or Invalid Bill of Lading Number
What it Means
The Bill of Lading (B/L) number contains invalid characters or spaces.
How to Resolve It
Create or update the Bill of Lading using a properly formatted B/L number and retransmit the filing.
Invalid Foreign Port
What it Means
The Schedule K foreign port code submitted is not recognized by CBP.
How to Resolve It
Verify and correct the Schedule K port code within your port reference tables before resubmitting the manifest.
Secondary SCAC Not Authorized
What it Means
The Secondary Notify Party (SNP) SCAC submitted is not recognized by CBP.
How to Resolve It
Confirm the Secondary SCAC is valid and authorized, then retransmit the manifest.
Duplicate Container for Bill of Lading
What it Means
The same container number has been entered more than once under a single Bill of Lading.
How to Resolve It
Review the container records associated with the shipment, remove duplicate entries, and resend the filing.
Invalid DDPP (Port of Discharge)
What it Means
The Schedule D Port of Discharge code is not recognized.
How to Resolve It
Update the Schedule D code within your location tables and retransmit the manifest.
Bill of Lading Already on File
What it Means
The Bill of Lading has already been successfully transmitted and accepted by CBP.
How to Resolve It
No action is normally required unless an amendment is needed.
Manifest Not on File
What it Means
An amendment or update was submitted before the original manifest had been accepted by CBP.
How to Resolve It
Before transmitting amendments:
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Confirm the original manifest has been successfully filed.
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Review your AMS transmission history.
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Verify the original voyage appears in your filing records.
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Submit the original manifest before transmitting corrections or amendments.
Missing Container Number
What it Means
One or more container numbers are incomplete or contain invalid formatting.
How to Resolve It
Verify every container number on the Bill of Lading is complete, correctly formatted, and contains no spaces before retransmitting.
Missing Cargo Description
What it Means
A required cargo description has not been provided.
How to Resolve It
Enter a complete cargo description that satisfies CBP reporting requirements before resubmitting the filing.
Not Authorized to Transmit
What it Means
The transmitting carrier's SCAC has not been authorized by CBP.
How to Resolve It
Contact your CBP Client Representative to verify your authorization status. Once your SCAC has been approved, retransmit the manifest.
Incorrect Conveyance Code (IMO/Lloyd's Number)
What it Means
The vessel's IMO (Lloyd's) Number does not match CBP records.
How to Resolve It
Verify the IMO Number entered within the vessel master file and correct any discrepancies before retransmitting.
Incorrect Vessel Name
What it Means
The vessel name submitted does not match the vessel associated with the IMO Number on file with CBP.
How to Resolve It
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Verify the vessel name spelling.
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Confirm the correct IMO (Lloyd's) Number is associated with the vessel.
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Update the vessel record if necessary.
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Resubmit the manifest.
Tips to Avoid AMS Filing Errors
Many CBP filing errors can be prevented by maintaining accurate master data and validating shipment information before transmission.
Best practices include:
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Keep vessel records current.
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Verify SCAC codes before filing.
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Maintain accurate port reference tables.
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Validate Bills of Lading before submission.
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Review container numbers for duplicates or formatting issues.
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Ensure all required shipment descriptions are completed.
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Confirm carrier authorizations with CBP.
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