GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 24, 2026
Import Automated Manifest Systems (AMS)
The Automated Manifest System (AMS) is a U.S.
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Source: https://www.cbp.gov/trade/automated/about-ace/what-ace
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Definition & Explanation
The Automated Manifest System (AMS) is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) electronic database that requires carriers and freight forwarders to submit cargo manifest data before a vessel, aircraft, or train arrives in the United States. CBP uses this pre-arrival information to run security risk assessments, flag suspicious shipments for targeted examination, and expedite clearance for low-risk cargo – all before goods physically reach the port or airport. AMS applies to ocean, air, and rail freight, making it a cornerstone of U.S. supply chain security. Late or missing filings can trigger a no-load order and significant financial penalties. Not to be confused with the EU's Import Control System (ICS), which serves a comparable pre-arrival notification function for goods entering the European Union.
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