Automated Manifest System (AMS)

What is the Automated Manifest System?

The Automated Manifest System (AMS) is an electronic information transmission system operated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Air and ocean shipments into the U.S. require an AMS filing with detailed information about the cargo, as a security measure.

The AMS is used for electronic air manifests, but AMS is often used as an umbrella term to refer to all electronic information transmission. ACE (Automated Commercial Environment) is used for electronic truck, rail, and sea manifests.

An AMS fee will be charged per BOL/AWB. Either the client or supplier must cover the fee.

Who files AMS, and what does it need?

The carrier or NVOCC files the manifest with CBP. Importers and suppliers provide the cargo details the filing needs, such as the description, piece count, weight, and consignee. Missing or inaccurate details can delay the filing and put a hold on cargo release.

AMS is a separate requirement from the Importer Security Filing (ISF), which the importer files for ocean cargo bound for the U.S.

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