Steps

Identify your transport mode (air, sea, truck, or rail) since CBP publishes separate manifest CATAIR chapters/EDI message sets for each mode.
Download the relevant chapter from CBP's ACE Import Manifest Documentation and ACE Cargo/Manifest/Entry Release Query CATAIR pages at cbp.gov/trade/automated/how-to-use-ace.
Confirm that manifest submission is an EDI transaction, not a public REST API — CBP requires filers to test and certify their EDI messaging with CBP before production transmission.
Determine whether you'll connect directly as a certified EDI filer or route through a licensed customs broker or third-party ABI software provider that already has an established CBP EDI connection.
Use the ACE Secure Data Portal (free, web-based) only for account administration, status lookups, and reports — not for submitting the manifest transaction itself, which must go through the EDI channel.

Known gotchas

There is no public REST/JSON API for submitting cargo manifests to CBP — this is EDI messaging governed by CATAIR specs, requiring CBP certification testing before you can transmit live data.
Manifest data (the carrier's advance cargo report) is a distinct transaction from Importer Security Filing (ISF 10+2) and from entry summary/cargo release filings — confirm you're implementing the correct CATAIR chapter for your actual use case.
CATAIR implementation guides are versioned and updated multiple times a year (e.g., cargo release guide revisions); confirm you're building against the current published version before certification testing.

File a formal Type 01 consumption entry through CBP ACE ABI using CATAIR-format EDI messages for a commercial import shipment

cbp.gov · 5 steps · unrated

Obtain an ABI filer code from CBP and transmit an Entry Type 01 formal consumption entry through ACE ABI using CATAIR messaging

cbp.gov · 6 steps · unrated

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Determine the correct CBP CATAIR specification and transmission method for submitting an electronic cargo manifest through ACE

Steps

Known gotchas

Related routes

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