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QP/WP RESOURCES

Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC)

SCAC identifies and links the carrier electronically to the entry transaction, PAPS, QP/WP and CAFES all require that the carrier possess a valid Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC) and assign a unique number in combination with this code. The number can be any combination of numbers up to 12 characters including in-bond serial number or CBP entry number as well as a carrier assigned pro-bill number.

The CBP authorizes the following interchanges for transmission of advance cargo information:

Pre-Arrival Processing System (PAPS) - A system that links electronic entry information supplied by a Customhouse broker through the Automated Broker Interface (ABI) with a Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC) and unique identifier number (eg, bill of lading, pro-bill or entry number) provided by a carrier. The shipment is identified at arrival by a barcode containing the SCAC code and unique identifier.
ABI in-bond format (QP/WP) - An ABI based format that allows filers to submit in-bond information directly to CBP and receive movement authorization electronically. The shipment is identified at arrival by the CBP 7512 (in-bond document) that may also contain a barcode containing the in-bond serial number.

In addition to these two interchanges, CBP has made an exception to the advance cargo information time frames for two additional electronic data interchanges. These interchanges allow for the electronic transaction to occur at the time of arrival in the U.S. These exceptions were made because of the enhanced security features inherent in their use. These interchanges are:
Border Release Advance Screening and Selectivity (BRASS) - Pre-screened commercial parties importing pre-approved products are granted release at the time of arrival. The importer provides a barcode representing the transaction, a manifest and a commercial invoice that is presented by the driver. The information is verified and the shipment is released. There are additional new security measures added to BRASS to make it more compatible with the regulations.
Customs Automated Forms Entry System (CAFES) - Allows in-bond transactions to be input directly into the CBP system by use of a 2-dimensional barcode. This barcode and the in-bond document is generated by a free software program made available by CBP on its web site.

A carrier may obtain a SCAC code by contacting the National Motor Freight Traffic Association, Inc., 2200 Mill Rd., Alexandria, VA 22314-4654 or www.nmfta.org. Carriers should Fax their NMFTA letter of notification to the CBP SCAC Registration Office at (703) 921-7173 (Fax number).

The carrier will provide this information (the SCAC code and number combination) to the Customhouse broker (or other ABI filer) in sufficient time to allow for electronic transmission to CBP 1 hour (or 30 minutes for FAST shipments) in advance. For PAPS shipments, this information is required to be placed on the manifest (CBP 7533) and invoice in a bar coded format for presentation to CBP at the time of arrival.

The process of filing entry has not changed and brokers will still submit electronic information as currently required by law and regulation. The broker shall input the SCAC and identifier number in the appropriate fields for the various transactions. It is important to remember that CBP must receive the information in their system one hour (30 minutes for FAST) in advance of the carrier's arrival.

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