This form may be used pursuant to 19 CFR 103.31, which allows importers, consignees, and shippers to file certifications for confidential treatment for certain inward and outward vessel manifest information, such as importer and/or shipper names and addresses. In addition to electronically filing certifications, certifications can be mailed to: Disclosure Law Officer, Headquarters, U.S. Customs Service, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W., Washington, DC 20229.
According to 19 CFR 103.31, there is no prescribed format for a certification; however, the certification shall include the importer's/consignee's/shipper's Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Employer Number, if available.
Confidential Treatment May be Requested for Inward and/or Outward Manifests
With respect to inward vessel manifests, 19 CFR 103.31 provides that an importer or consignee (or their authorized employee, attorney, or official) may submit a certification for confidential treatment of:
· the importer or consignee names and addresses (including marks and numbers which reveal these names and addresses); and
· the names and addresses of all of the shippers to such importer or consignee.
For information appearing on the outward manifest, 19 CFR 103.31 allows a shipper (or their authorized employee or official) to submit a certification for confidential treatment of the shipper's name and address.
Fields That Need to be Completed on CBP’s New Web Form
CBP’s web form can be used for inward and/or outward vessel manifest confidentiality requests. The web form requires the following fields to be completed:
· requestor’s name, address, phone number, email address, and role
· relationship of party making request: first party, on behalf of self or company, or third party representative or agent
· date of submission
· the type of confidentiality requested (inward, outward, or both)
· whether the requestor is an individual importing personal effects or household goods, or other
· the tax ID number
· variations of names to be protected
Certifications Valid for Two Years Only
Both initial and renewal certifications are valid for a period of two years only. Renewal certifications should be submitted at least 60 days prior to the expiration of the current certification.
Info Covered by Certification May Not Be Published by the Press/Included on CDs Sold to the Public
Although 19 CFR 103.31 allows accredited representatives of the press, including newspapers, commercial magazines, trade journals, and similar publications, to examine, copy, and publish certain vessel manifest and summary statistical information on imports and exports, any information covered by a confidential certification may only be examined and copied by the press; it cannot be published. In addition, information covered by a confidential certification will not be included on the CD-ROMS of Automated Manifest System (AMS) data that are sold to the public.
Confidentiality web form:
http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/trade/automated/automated_systems/ams/vessel_manifest_confid_form.xml
For additional information and guidance, please feel free to contact your local NNR representative.
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