CBP Again Extends ACAS Pilot, Will Reopen Application Period

CBP will extend its Air Cargo Advance Screening (ACAS) pilot, which allows for early filing of cargo data, for another year through July 26, 2015, the agency said. The extension will allow "CBP to continue to strengthen its capability to target high-risk cargo earlier in the supply chain and provide greater opportunity for additional members of the air cargo community to participate and prepare for possible proposed regulatory changes." CBP has extended the pilot several times, most recently in October (see 13102226). The Airforwarders Association recently voiced some concerns over a lack of input from smaller businesses regarding ACAS before CBP publishes rules for the program (see 14060522) "There are current participants that are in the process of testing and development that still need time to become fully operational participants and there continue to be members of the air cargo community who have informed CBP that they are interested in participating in the pilot," the notice said. CBP will also reopen the pilot, with new applications due Sept. 26.