Customs Issues Instructions Via ABI for Filing Reconciliation Entries

April 2000

By way of an ABI administrative message, the U.S. Customs Service recently outlined instructions for filing reconciliation entries. The procedures outlined in the ABI message do not contain new information, but rather clarify the exact methods importers should use when filing reconciliation entries with Customs.

There are three components to a valid reconciliation entry: the header, association file, and the line item data spreadsheet. While the header and the association file are to be transmitted electronically via ABI, all other documents must be submitted to the Reconciliation Port on paper and/or diskette. All importers must undergo testing of entry type 09 filing to facilitate transmittal of reconciliation entries, and must ensure that they are activated as a reconciliation filer. Once these steps are complete, the importer may begin transmitting reconciliation entries. Importers must be aware of the specific requirements for the filing of the paper and diskette components of a reconciliation entry, and should coordinate proper filing with their broker to comply with these requirements. The most recent Customs service reconciliation handbook is available here.

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