February 12th, 2026 – A decades-old reliance on paper-based export documentation is coming to an end for container vessel operators and exporters under a sweeping new proposed rule from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
The 180-page proposal would require the advance electronic submission of Electronic Export Manifest data for all vessel cargo departing the United States. CBP says the move is designed to modernize export controls, improve cargo security, and streamline trade processes by shifting fully to electronic data transmission within defined timeframes.
According to the agency, mandatory electronic manifest filing will make the trade process more efficient for all stakeholders. By requiring earlier data submission, CBP will be able to leverage its Automated Targeting System (ATS) to assess export manifest information before cargo is loaded, significantly improving its ability to identify high-risk shipments, prevent smuggling, and enhance overall cargo security.
CBP also anticipates operational benefits for the trade community. Earlier electronic submissions are expected to lead to faster examination decisions, quicker resolution of CBP requests, earlier mitigation of potential enforcement actions, and improved communication between the agency and industry participants.
Under the current system, vessel export manifests can be filed up to four days after a ship has cleared port. That lag has created security vulnerabilities, leaving CBP unable to fully vet outbound cargo until it is already at sea. The new rule would close that gap by requiring export data to be transmitted through the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) before loading. This allows ATS to scan shipments for potential threats upstream, well before containers are placed aboard a vessel.
The change also addresses costly logistical disruptions. Under the old framework, identifying a high-risk container after departure could require a carrier to retrieve cargo from a foreign port—an expensive and time-consuming process. By resolving documentation issues or enforcement holds prior to loading, carriers can avoid mid-voyage complications and associated costs.
Although the transition from paper to electronic systems will require upfront IT investments, CBP estimates that the trade community will realize substantial savings over time. The agency projects total cost savings of approximately $285 million between 2026 and 2030, averaging about $57 million annually.
A key operational shift under the proposal is the introduction of a two-tiered “24-and-2” filing schedule. Filers would be required to submit eight mandatory data elements at least 24 hours before loading, including detailed cargo descriptions, bill of lading numbers, and AES Internal Transaction Numbers. All remaining transportation and cargo data must then be finalized and transmitted at least two hours before loading. In addition, vessel carriers must present their official clearance statement—either electronically or through the updated CBP Form 1300—no later than two hours prior to departure.
