ACE/CATAIR Updates for Entry Type 13, CPSC eFiling, and APHIS PIS

CBP published four Cargo Systems Messaging Service (CSMS) notices on July 29, 2026, covering operational changes that affect how brokers and importers file entries in ACE. None of these involve new or modified tariff rates, but together they signal tightening PGA message-set requirements that can cause entry holds or rejections if your filing software is not current.

Entry Type 13 added to CATAIR and PGA Flag Enforcement Table

Two notices address Entry Type 13 (ET13). CSMS 69379504 announces that the draft ACE CATAIR Stand-alone Filing for Prior Notice Data (PE/PX) document has been updated to include guidance specific to Entry Type 13. Separately, CSMS 69379627 confirms that the draft PGA Flag Enforcement Table has also been revised to add the ET13 enforcement flag. Both updated documents are posted in the Draft Chapters section of cbp.gov/trade/automated/catair. Filers who handle ET13 entries should review both documents to ensure their transmission formats and PGA flags align with the new specifications before these draft chapters move to final status.

CPSC PGA message set: mandatory but with a conditional acceptance window

CSMS 69382435 provides an important clarification on the Consumer Product Safety Commission eFiling requirement. CPSC fully implemented its PGA message-set requirements on July 8, 2026, making eFiling of CPSC certificate-of-compliance data mandatory. However, per CPSC's final rule and guidance, CBP's ACE system can still accept entries that do not include a CPSC message set under certain conditions described in that guidance. Importers of CPSC-regulated consumer products should confirm with their brokers whether their goods require a CPSC certificate of compliance and whether their current ACE filing workflow transmits that data correctly.

APHIS updates Plant Inspection Station message-set filings

CSMS 69379587 announces that USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has updated its Core Message Implementation Guide and Supplemental Trade Guide for imports destined for Plant Inspection Stations (PIS). The revisions are intended to improve data accuracy, streamline routing, and support timely clearance. The updated guides are available in the Draft Chapters: Future Capabilities section at cbp.gov/trade/automated/catair. Importers of plants, plant products, and other APHIS-regulated commodities routed through a PIS should review the new implementation guide to confirm their filing specifications remain compliant ahead of the deployment dates noted in the guidance.

What importers and brokers should do

• Download the updated draft CATAIR PE/PX document and PGA Flag Enforcement Table from cbp.gov/trade/automated/catair and verify your ACE transmission templates reflect the Entry Type 13 additions.
• Confirm with your filing software provider or in-house ACE setup that CPSC certificate-of-compliance data is being transmitted for all applicable consumer-product entries, given the July 8, 2026 mandatory effective date.
• If you import plants or plant products routed through a Plant Inspection Station, review the revised APHIS Core Message Implementation Guide and Supplemental Trade Guide and update your PGA message-set filings to match the new specifications before the announced deployment dates.
• Direct technical questions on the CATAIR and PGA Flag updates to CBP at crem@cbp.dhs.gov as noted in the CSMS notices.