3550-058 Customs Entry Numbering

Published CBP guidance; operative status and applicability must be assessed from the retained publisher edition.

CUSTOMS DIRECTIVE

ORIGINATING OFFICE: IM:C:C:E DISTRIBUTION: SEE SIGNATURE PAGE
CUSTOMS DIRECTIVE NO. 3550-058
OLD NUMBER: 3550-058
DATE: SEPTEMBER 10, 1991

SUBJECT: CUSTOMS ENTRY NUMBERING

1. PURPOSE

To revise Customs entry numbering procedure.

2. BACKGROUND

On October 1, 1986 a new entry numbering procedure was implemented by
Customs Directive 3500-10 to provide maximum flexibility to brokers and
importers in assigning and controlling their own entry numbers. Key to the new
procedure was the assignment of a 3 character national filer code to all brokers
and significant volume importers. The filer code, in conjunction with a seven digit
entry number and a check digit, allowed importations to be uniquely identified.
An entry number was not to be used more than once nationally.

In order to ensure uniqueness of entry numbers and provide a mechanism for
Customs to periodically move older entries out of active files, entry numbers were
initially restricted to begin with either a 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4. The restriction was to be
in effect for five years at which point filers would change to using starting digits of
5, 6, 7, 8, or 9. The concept was that during any five year period entry numbers
would begin either with 0 through 4 or with 5 through 9, thus providing nearly 5
million entry numbers for each filer in the 5-year period. After each ten year
period, entries over five years old would be moved to inactive files and the
applicable entry numbers would be recycled. It has been nearly five years since
the new entry number procedure was implemented and Customs has analyzed
the impact of switching from the 0-4 entry number series to the 5-9 series. Major
efforts would be required both for Customs and for entry filers in order to proceed
with such a transition. The vast majority of filers have used only a small portion
of their available 5 million entry numbers. Such a switch would be an
unnecessary burden for most entry filers. The few filers who have nearly or
completely depleted their initial 5 million numbers in the first five years would
likely not have sufficient numbers in the next five year period even if we went
forward with the original plan to restrict the leading digit of entry numbers.
Finally, the removal from Customs active files after five years and recycling of the
entry numbers may not be possible for entries subject to drawback, court action,
penalties, antidumping, etc. Adherence to the original restrictions presents
problems both to Customs and the trade.

3. ACTION

a. Effective October 1, 1991, entry numbers may be assigned starting with
any digit from 0 through 9. Responsibility for uniqueness will remain with
the filers. No entry number may be duplicated.

b. Should a filer deplete their available entry numbers, they may apply to the
Director of the Office of Automated Commercial Systems for a new filer
code. Customs will expect filers to be prudent in their entry number
assignments and will require evidence of the need for an additional filer
code. A request for an additional filer code should explain why the new
filer code is needed, how entry number assignments are being
controlled and what unusual circumstances, if any, contributed to the
depletion of the available ten million entry numbers.

4. RESPONSIBILITY

It is the responsibility of all Regional Commissioners, District, Area, and Port
Directors to assure compliance with this Directive.

5. EFFECTIVE DATE

These instructions are effective October 1, 1991. The Directive will continue to
be in effect until revoked.

6. SUPERSEDED

Customs Directive 3500-10 dated June 19, 1986 is hereby superseded.

Assistant Commissioner
Information Management

Distribution:
R-01 Regional Commissioners
F-01 District/Area Directors
F-02 Port Directors
G-07 All Entry Personnel