CBP Form 3461 Entry / Immediate Delivery

Does the CBP Form 3461 Still Exist?

In short: yes. When individuals or organizations import goods into the United States, they are required to file a CBP Form 3461, a CBP Form 3461ALT, or their electronic equivalent. An electronic equivalent is submitted via the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE). ACE Cargo Release is a CBP program designed to facilitate legitimate trade and reduce paperwork. With the help of this program, importers and brokers may file a simplified e-form that consists of 12 elements only, instead of completing a hardcopy CBP Form 3461.

ACE Cargo Release allows to forego the necessity of having to perforate the CBP Form 3461, stamp or sign it, and submit it in paper to a non-automated Container Freight Station. However, the CBP may request a hard copy of the form, as well as other shipping documents.

CBP Form 3461 Vs. 7501

When submitting a customs entry, you file two major forms: CBP Form 3461 and CBP Form 7501, Entry Summary. The CBP 3461 is submitted first. If the CBP authorizes the delivery, you can proceed by filing CBP Form 7501. This document is used to report the relevant information about the commodities that were imported into the United States and to pay all related fees. The payments must accompany CBP Form 7501.

How to Fill out CBP Form 3461?

CBP Form 3461 instructions as follows:

1. Section 1. Port of Entry. Use the Schedule D, Port Codes, listed in Annex C of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to record the port of entry code in DDPP format without hyphens or spaces.
2. Sections 2 through 4. Self-explanatory.
3. Section 5. Entry Number. Provide the 11-digit alphanumeric code that consists of a 3-digit filer code, a 7-digit entry number, and a check digit.
4. Section 6. Bond Value. Round off the value of the bond to the nearest whole dollar.
5. Section 7. Entry Value. Round off the entry value to the nearest whole dollar.
6. Section 8. CES. Enter the Facilities Information and Resources Management (FIRMS) Code of the preferred devanning or centralized exam site if your cargo is to be subjected to an intensive exam.
7. Section 9. Entry Type. Enter the two-digit entry type code. Find the list of codes in the instruction file.
8. Section 10. Originating Warehouse Entry Number. Self-explanatory.
9. Section 11. Surety Code. Provide the code that identifies the surety company for the bond.
10. Section 12. Port of Unlading. Provide the numeric code of the port. Do not enter the name of the port instead.
11. Section 13. Mode of Transportation. Self-explanatory.
12. Section 14. Location of Goods. Indicate the FIRMS codes where the goods can be examined.
13. Section 15. G.O. Number. Fill out only if the cargo was placed in a general order warehouse.
14. Section 16. Conveyance Name or FTZ Zone ID. Complete only for entry type 06.
15. Sections 17 through 18. Header Reference Information. Self-explanatory.
16. Sections 19 through 21. Header Parties. List up to four header parties.
17. Section 22. Certification. Self-explanatory.
18. Section 24. Line Information. Provide the information for up to four lines.
19. Sections 25 through 35. Provide bill of lading information.