AMS (Ocean AMS)

The Automated Manifest System (AMS) is an electronic system mandated by U.S. Customs, requiring carriers to submit manifest data for goods prior to entry. AMS facilitates:

Advance submission of cargo information by carriers.
Customs review and shipment release.

AMS is mandatory for both air and sea shipments. This section focuses on Ocean AMS, where the carrier is responsible for declaring customs information.

Creating an AMS Filing

1. Navigate to Customs > AMS > Ocean AMS. 2. Click Add to open the Create Ocean AMS page. 3. Select a Project and the specific shipment number.

> Note: The system will auto-populate shipper and consignee information. Please verify this information matches your Shipment Order and Bill of Lading (BOL). 4. Input Required Information:

Initial Info: Include B/L status indicator, type, and SCAC code
Transport Info: Provide carrier code, vessel name, and voyage details
Container Info: Enter container numbers, types, and seals
Hazardous Info: Specify hazardous materials details if applicable
Measurements Info: Enter weight and volume details
Miscellaneous Info: Add arrival dates and manifest details

> Note: For comprehensive field definitions, refer to the AMS Field Descriptions section. 5. Verify all entered information for accuracy. Click Confirm to submit the AMS filing.

AMS Field Descriptions

Initial Information

Field Name	Description
BL Status Indicator	Select the current BL status from the drop-down menu, specifying the type and handling of cargo (e.g., empty equipment/instruments of international trade, FROB, MVOCC, NVOCC, etc.).
BL Type	Defines the type of Bill of Lading (e.g., inland bill of lading, Ocean bill of lading, Through bill of lading, etc.).
SCAC Code	A unique identifier for the carrier, issued by the NMFTA (e.g., Maersk).
Master Bill of Lading Number	The number for the master Bill of Lading, issued directly by the carrier to the shipper or agent.
House Bill of Lading Number	The number for the house Bill of Lading, issued by the freight forwarder to the shipper.
Batch Number	A unique identifier for a batch of goods used for tracking and organizing related data.
~~Value (Mode)~~	(Optional) Total shipment value.
Is Master Inbound (Toggle)	Indicates whether the Master Bill of Lading is for inbound shipments (Yes/No).

Transport Information

Field Name	Description
Carrier Code	Code identifying the carrier (must be AMS-registered).
Vessel Name	Name of the vessel transporting the goods (e.g., MSC Zoe).
Vessel Country Code	The country where the vessel is registered (e.g., US).
Lloyds IMO	The 7-digit IMO (International Maritime Organization) number for the vessel.
Voyage Number	Identifier for the vessel's specific voyage.
Manifest Sequence Number	Sequential number for identifying shipments within the manifest.
Transport Mode Code	Main transport mode for the shipment (e.g., Vessel, Rail, Truck, Air, etc.).

Port Info (TBD)

Field Name	Description
Port of Loading Code	The code for the port where goods are loaded onto the vessel.
First Foreign Port Code	The first foreign port visited after departure.
Last Foreign Port Code	The last foreign port visited before arrival at the destination country.
Port of Unloading Code	The code for the port where goods are unloaded in the destination country.
US Destination Port	The final destination port within the U.S.
Foreign Destination Port	The final destination port outside the U.S.

Containers Information

Field Name	Description
Container No.	The unique identifier for the container.
Container Type	Select the type of container (e.g., 20GP, 40HQ, etc).
Seal No.	The seal number of the container for security purposes.
Package Qty	The Number of packages within the container.
Weight (kg)	The Weight of the goods in the container.
Volume(M³)	Volume of the goods in the container.
Mode	Select from Container yard and Store door.
HTS Code	The Harmonized Tariff Schedule code for the goods.
Country of Origin	The country where the goods were manufactured or produced.

Note: Click + Add Container to add more.

Hazardous Information

Field Name	Description
Package Group	Packaging group classification for hazardous materials.
UN No.	The UN identification number for hazardous goods.
Class	Classification code for dangerous goods (e.g., Explosives, Flammables).
Flashpoint Temp	The minimum temperature at which flammable vapor ignites.
Flashpoint Unit	The minimum temperature at which flammable vapor ignites.
Contact Name/Number	Emergency contact for handling hazardous materials.
Description Label	Emergency contact for handling hazardous materials.

Note: Click + Add Hazardous to add more.

Measurements

Field Name	Description
Weight	The total gross weight of the shipment.
Weight Unit	The unit for weight measurement (e.g., KG, LB).
Volume	The total volume of the shipment.
Volume Unit	The unit for volume measurement (e.g., CBM, CFT).

Miscellaneous Information

Field Name	Description
Estimated Arrival Date	Select expected date and time of vessel arrival at the destination port.
Manifest Quantity	Total quantity of items listed in the manifest.
Manifest Unit Code	Unit of measure for the manifest quantity (e.g., Pieces, Cases, KG).
Payment Method	Payment method for the shipment (e.g., Prepaid, Collect).
Inward Carrier Code	Code identifying the carrier for inbound shipments.
Vessel Entry Type	Type of vessel entry (e.g., Formal, Informal, Transportation & Exportation).
Vessel Number	Unique identification number assigned to the vessel.
Inward Transport Mode Code	Code indicating the mode of transport for inbound shipment.
Vessel Arrival Name	Name of the vessel upon arrival (if different from departure).
Broker Carrier Identifier	Unique identifier assigned to the customs broker.
Second Notify Party 1	Additional contact or organization to be notified of shipment status.
Second Notify Party 2	Second additional contact for shipment notifications.
Importer of Record	Entity responsible for ensuring the legal importation of goods.
Is BTA FDA? (Toggle)	Indicates compliance with U.S. Bioterrorism Act (BTA) and FDA regulations.

AMS