Security measures used by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) include an automated manifest system for all shipments that arrive in the United States from outside countries via air or sea. The purpose of this is to ensure that all items that come into the United States are clearly defined and easy for anyone to understand what is coming into the country. These systems have undoubtedly helped protect the country from dangerous packages and drugs from being smuggled in.
Who Pays For This?
The charge for the automated manifest system can be covered by either the supplier or the recipient of the goods. This detail needs to be worked out between the two ahead of time, and this detail is often something that goes into the total cost of the shipment itself. If the recipient of the goods has to pay for these additional border services, they will be paying a higher overall price than if the supplier covered this charge. That said, suppliers sometimes add additional costs to their products if they have to cover the AMS charges to make up for the difference.
Rapid Information Sharing
The law requires that all information gathered during the import process by the automated manifest system be shared quickly with all appropriate authorities. This is particularly true if there is anything suspicious found on board. The authorities want to know about this because they need to be aware of a shipper who is moving supplies that are not permitted in the country. They will do all that they possibly can to put a stop to that practice, and they will need to have detailed records so that they can spot trends of illegal activity happening at various ports. The AMS system provides them with all of that information. It helps keep the country safer and moving forward.