What is AMS?

AMS (Automated Manifest System), the U.S. Automated Manifest System. The AMS in this tutorial is refer to the AMS Ocean which is required for ocean shipment; it is now called ACE Ocean (Automated Commercial Environment)

AMS requires that for all cargo entering or transiting through United States, the manifest information must be submitted to U.S. Customs 24 hours before the cargo is loaded onto the vessel at the port of departure. Upon receiving the information, the U.S. AMS system will automatically compare the data and flag the risks. For high-risk cargo, a "No Load" notification will be issued.

Who should file AMS?

Both the carrier and the NVOCC/freight forwarder need to submit AMS manifests.

• The carrier submits the master B/L manifest, departure notice, and arrival notice.
• The NVOCC/freight forwarder submits the house B/L manifest.

When to file?

It must be filed 24 hours before the loading of the last lag vessel bound for the U.S. In practice, carriers or NVOCC/freight forwarders usually need to complete the AMS filing 3-4 days in advance and obtain 1Y status notifications. NVOCC or Freight forwarders also need to pay attention to the 3Z status notification regarding the match between the AMS Filing and the ISF Filing.

Penalties?

Failure to file AMS: late filing or omission of filing will result in a fine of USD 5,000. However, the penalty amount can be reduced through an appeal for the first time.

What are the costs?

Costs vary depending on the service provider, the price plan, and whether it is self-filing or outsource.

• For self-filing, the price ranges from USD 0.6 to USD 3. It is typically billed per Bill of Lading number, and there are no amendment fees.
• For outsource to thrid party, the price is around USD 20, and there are amendment fees, usually around USD 20-40.