CBP Dramatically Expands Advanced Unlading Approval Program for C-TPAT Carriers

CBP recently added several ports to its Advanced Qualified Unlading Approval (AQUA) program that allows some carriers to unlade cargo before meeting with CBP, the agency said in a list of frequently asked questions on the program (here). Sea carriers that are in the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program that "have been validated and are in good standing at the time of unlading" are eligible to participate in AQUA, CBP said. The ports of Miami, Long Beach, Los Angeles, New York/Newark, Savannah and Seattle/Tacoma began participation on Sept. 15. The ports of Charleston; Houston; Jacksonville; Honolulu; Philadelphia; Boston; San Juan; Norfolk, Virginia; Wilmington, Delaware; and Wilmington, North Carolina will take part starting Dec. 15, CBP said. Initial participants were the ports in New Orleans, Baltimore, Oakland and Port Everglades, Florida (see 1511250011).

Both the terminal operator and the carrier must be validated and in good standing to receive advanced unlading benefits, CBP said. Containers must also be delivered directly to a terminal operator, the agency said. "To request advanced unlading, vessel agents must complete and submit an Application-Permit-Special-License-Unlading-Overtime Services (CBP Form 3171) with the Notice of Arrival for every unlading 24 hours prior to arrival," CBP said. The form must specify “Advanced Qualified Unlading Approval requested,” and "CBP will review the request and provide notification back to the Vessel Agent letting them know if their request for advanced unlading ha[s] been approved or denied."

The main benefit of the program is that a vessel can begin cargo operations "immediately upon arrival rather than having to wait for the vessel to be boarded and cleared by CBP officers," CBP said. "This reduces the amount of time the vessel is in standby after arriving at berth and expedites the cargo unlading process to help ensure that shipments are delivered on time to their final destinations." The program also allows CBP to reduce congestion at the ports and lessens the use of resources toward low-risk carriers, the agency said.