There are AMS filing fields where we might not be entirely certain during the first entry. In this article, we will list all the potential pitfalls, as a simple mistake could result in a $5,000 penalty.
This is the 4-character code applied for by the freight forwarder or NVOCC from the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA).
In most of the AMS filing system, the field name of SCAC Code（Filer) is Carrier Code. If you're not certain base on the user manual, please double confirm with your software provider. There are many cases for the new FF/NVOCC filed Ocean Carrier SCAC code here and result in $5,000 penalty.
A Paperless In-bond Participant indicates whether the AMS filer (NVOCC) has the qualification for paperless in-bond movement of goods after the cargo arrives in the US.
If the goods is cleared at the port of arrival, it is No.
If the goods is not cleared at the port of arrival, please check how the goods is going to be transported in US and whether the it is in-bond movement.
The Port of Discharge refers to the port where the goods are unloaded from the vessel, which is not the final destination port.
This is the carrier's master bill of lading number. The first 4 characters must be the carrier's SCAC code. When filling this master BL number, we must first confirm the carrier's SCAC code. Sometimes the master BL number provided by the carrier includes the SCAC, and sometimes it does not. We,as FF/NVOCC, need to determine whether the master BL number provided by the carrier includes the SCAC. If it does not, we need to add it by ourselves.
Another point to note: if we are a secondary forwarder co-loading with a primary forwarder, the primary forwarder might provide their own master bill number. Be aware that this 'master' bill number might not be the actual carrier's master manifest number. You must clarify with the primary forwarder that you need the ocean carrier's actual master bill number and the ocean carrier's SCAC code. In AMS, all consolidated shipments should be filed under the ocean carrier's master bill, which is not under the primary forwarder's house bill number. This differs from consolidated shipment declarations in the Canadian ACI eManifest.
The SCAC code of a third-party notify party. When you fill in this SCAC code, the entity owning this code can receive status notifications of this AMS filing.
As a freight forwarder / NOVCC, we should input the ocean carrier's SCAC code here.
The seal number is not a mandatory field in AMS. It's best to leave it blank. This is because the container might be selected for customs inspection at the port of loading or a transshipment port, which could lead to the seal being changed. This would then require an AMS amendment.