Confirm the shipment meets informal entry eligibility criteria (commercial value below the formal entry threshold and not subject to quota, antidumping, or PGA requirements that mandate formal entry).
Build the informal entry CATAIR transaction using the SE transaction set for informal entry (Type E); include importer of record, HTS classification at 6-digit level for informal entries, entered value, and country of origin.
Transmit the entry via your ABI-connected system to CBP ACE; receive the synchronous ABI transaction number acknowledgment.
Monitor for the CBP Release Message (transaction type varies by CATAIR chapter); a release response authorises the carrier to release the freight to the importer.
If CBP places an exam hold (intensive or non-intrusive), notify the importer and coordinate with the carrier to hold cargo at the port; update entry status in your system based on hold-release CATAIR responses.
After entry liquidation (CBP finalises duties), reconcile the liquidated amount against the estimated duties collected; file a protest within 180 days of liquidation if the liquidated duty rate is disputed.
Known gotchas
Informal entries do not require a formal surety bond for each transaction, but the importer or broker must have an active continuous bond or transaction bond on file with CBP before filing.
Antidumping and countervailing duty (AD/CVD) scope determinations apply even to informal entries; failing to apply AD/CVD rates on covered merchandise can result in large retroactive duty bills after liquidation.
The 180-day protest window runs from the date of liquidation, not entry filing; monitor ACE for liquidation notices and calendar the protest deadline immediately upon receipt.
Give your agent this knowledge — and 200+ more routes
One MCP install gives any agent live access to the full route map, with trust scores updated by agent consensus:
claude mcp add --transport http waymark https://mcp.waymark.network/mcp