How to Add or Update a Vessel Registered with U.S. Customs
If you're attempting to file an ocean manifest through the Automated Manifest System (AMS) and your vessel is not being accepted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the most common reason is that the vessel has not yet been added to CBP's vessel database or the vessel information on file needs to be updated.
Fortunately, the process is straightforward.
When Do You Need to Add or Update a Vessel?
You may need to request a vessel update if:
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You're operating a newly acquired vessel.
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The vessel has never previously called a U.S. port.
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The vessel has changed ownership.
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The vessel has been renamed.
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The vessel has changed its flag or registry.
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Your AMS filing returns an error indicating the vessel is not recognized by CBP.
Keeping vessel information current helps ensure your AMS filings are accepted without unnecessary delays.
How to Request a Vessel Update
To request that a vessel be added or updated in the CBP system, send an email to:
In your request, explain that you would like the vessel added to or updated within the CBP vessel database and include the information listed below.
Information to Include
Provide as much information as possible to help CBP process your request efficiently.
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IMO (Lloyd's) Number
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Vessel Name
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Former Vessel Name (if applicable)
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Vessel Owner
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Vessel Flag
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Call Sign
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Draft
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Gross Tonnage
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Net Tonnage
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Carrier SCAC Code
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Contact Name
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Company Name
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Contact Email
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Contact Telephone Number (recommended)
Double-check all information before submitting your request, as inaccurate vessel data can delay approval or result in AMS filing errors.
How Long Does It Take?
Processing times vary depending on CBP workload and the completeness of the information submitted.
To avoid delays in filing manifests, it's recommended that carriers submit vessel updates well before the vessel's first U.S. port call whenever possible.
Common Reasons a Vessel Is Rejected
If your AMS filing is unsuccessful, verify that:
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The correct IMO (Lloyd's) Number was used.
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The vessel name exactly matches CBP records.
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The Carrier SCAC code is correct.
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Ownership changes have been reported.
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Recent vessel name changes have been updated.
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The vessel has already been added to the CBP database.
Many filing errors are caused by simple discrepancies between the information submitted and the data maintained by CBP.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why isn't my vessel accepted by CBP?
The vessel may not yet exist in CBP's vessel database, or the information on file may not match the details included in your AMS filing.
What is an IMO (Lloyd's) Number?
The IMO Number is a unique seven-digit identification number assigned to a vessel by the International Maritime Organization. It remains with the vessel throughout its lifetime, regardless of ownership or name changes.
Can I update a vessel after it changes ownership?
Yes. If ownership, vessel name, flag, or other identifying information changes, you should notify CBP so the vessel record can be updated.
Does every vessel need to be registered with CBP?
Vessels that participate in activities requiring AMS filings or other applicable CBP reporting should have accurate vessel information on file to support electronic manifest submissions.
Simplify Your AMS Filing Process
Managing vessel information is only one part of maintaining customs compliance. Vilden's eCLEAR Customs Filing Software helps carriers, NVOCCs, freight forwarders, and logistics providers streamline AMS filings, ACE submissions, ISF filings, and international customs reporting through one secure cloud-based platform.
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