Overview
Welcome to the In‑Bond Manual. This page is your hub for everything related to U.S. CBP in‑bond moves in FasTrax—whether you’re opening a new IT/IE/T&E, correcting details, recording arrival/export, or researching status. Use the cards below to jump straight into step‑by‑step guides and screenshots.
- Left navigation lets you jump sections; on mobile, it becomes a swipeable bar at the top.
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Before You Get Started
1) Request a block of inbond numbers from CBP
- Prepare a request on company letterhead including your Filer Code and the quantity of numbers (commonly in increments of 100).
- Contact the Inbond Desk at your local port for port-specific instructions.
- Allow a couple of days or more for CBP to assign your block.
2) Load the assigned block into FasTrax
- Navigate to Main Menu → Administration → Department Setup.
- Enter your department Code an at the command line enter:
C for Customs Brokerage → I for Info go to Field 4 Starting IT Number:
- Starting IT Number: first number in the block
- Ending IT Number: last number in the block
- Next Inbond No: same as the first number (initially)
- No need to calculate check digits—the system does this automatically.
3) Daily use & monitoring
- When you create an inbond entry, the system assigns the next available number.
- You’ll receive an alert when you are within 20 numbers of the end of your block—time to request the next block.
4) Adding your next block
- Do not enter the new block until the current block is fully used.
- When the old block is finished, update Starting / Next / Ending to the new block’s range.
5) Multiple departments
If your account runs multiple departments, you can maintain separate blocks of inbond numbers for each.
Core Workflows
New In‑Bond (Create & Transmit)
Amend / Correct In-Bond
Arrive / Export / Close In‑Bond
Transfer / Destination Change
Query & Monitoring
Exception Handling
Reference & Setup
Codes & Tables
Permissions & Setup
Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
What is an in-bond movement, and what types are supported in FasTrax?
An in-bond movement allows goods to move through the U.S. under U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) control without immediate duty payment. FasTrax supports three types:
- Type 61 (Immediate Export): Goods imported for immediate export.
- Type 62 (Transportation and Exportation): Goods transported through the U.S. for export.
- Type 63 (Warehouse Entry and Exportation): Goods stored in a warehouse before export.
How do I request a block of in-bond numbers from CBP?
To request a block of in-bond numbers:
- Prepare a request on company letterhead with your Filer Code and desired quantity (e.g., increments of 100).
- Contact the In-Bond Desk at your local port for specific instructions.
- Allow a few days for CBP to assign the block.
How do I load a block of in-bond numbers into FasTrax?
To load a block:
- Navigate to Main Menu → Administration → Department Setup.
- Enter your department code, select C (Customs Brokerage) → I (Info).
- In Field 4, input:
- Starting IT Number: First number in the block.
- Ending IT Number: Last number in the block.
- Next Inbond No: Same as the first number initially.
- Save the settings. FasTrax automatically calculates check digits.
What happens when I’m running low on in-bond numbers?
FasTrax alerts you when you’re within 20 numbers of the end of your block. Request a new block from CBP, but do not enter it until the current block is fully used. Update the Starting, Next, and Ending fields with the new block’s range once the old block is exhausted.
Can multiple departments use separate in-bond number blocks?
Yes, FasTrax allows each department to maintain its own block of in-bond numbers. Configure these in Department Setup for each department.
Creating and Transmitting In-Bond Entries
What are the minimum fields required to save an in-bond entry?
To save an in-bond entry in FasTrax, you need:
- File Number
- In-Bond Type (61, 62, or 63)
- In-Bond Number
- Carrier and Importer/Consignee (as applicable)
- Location fields (e.g., ports)
How do I create and transmit a new in-bond entry?
- From the In-Bond Menu, select New In-Bond (Create & Transmit).
- Enter details on the In-Bond Entry — Main Screen, including original import information, in-bond specifics, and other required fields.
- Use the (T)ransmit command to send the entry to CBP’s ACE system.
- Monitor the response in Check ABI Transmissions / ABI Cargo/Entry Response.
What information is required for previous in-bond entries?
If the merchandise was previously entered (e.g., in-bond, consumption, or warehouse), provide:
- In-Bond Type (61, 62, or 63)
- Entry Number (previous in-bond number)
- Port (port of related entry, using HTSUS Schedule D code)
- Date (date of the related entry, MMDDYYYY format)
These details print in the top left of the CBP Form 7512.
Amending or Deleting In-Bond Entries
Can I directly amend an in-bond entry in FasTrax?
No, ACE does not support direct amendments. To amend an in-bond entry:
- Delete the original in-bond using the Delete In-Bond option.
- Wait for CBP’s ABI 'Deleted' confirmation.
- Modify the existing file with the same in-bond number and retransmit it as a new submission.
How do I delete an in-bond entry?
- Go to In-Bond Menu → Delete In-Bond.
- Enter the File Number. The system displays the Client, Inbond Number, and Trans Mode.
- Review details and confirm deletion intent.
- Use the (T)ransmit command to send the cancellation request to CBP.
- Verify CBP’s response. If approved, the in-bond is cancelled.
Why might CBP reject a deletion request?
CBP may reject a deletion if:
- The in-bond number is incorrect or not found.
- Dependent events (e.g., arrivals, exports, or updates) already exist.
- The transport mode doesn’t match the original transmission.
- ACE business rules prevent cancellation. Check ABI/AMS details to resolve.
Updating In-Bond Entries (Arrival/Export)
What events can I report using the In-Bond Update (WP) screen?
The In-Bond Update (WP) screen supports:
- Arrival (Action Codes 1, 2, 3): Record arrival of the entire in-bond, bill of lading, or container/equipment.
- Export (Action Codes 5, 6, 7): Record export of the entire in-bond, bill of lading, or container/equipment.
- Transfer (Action Code A): Transfer in-bond liability to another party.
- FDA PNC (Action Codes 8, 9): Submit FDA Prior Notice for in-bond or non-in-bond shipments.
- Diversion Request (Action Code Z): Request a change in destination.
What are the timing requirements for in-bond events?
- Type 61 (Immediate Export): Must be arrived within 30 days.
- Type 62 (Transportation and Exportation): Must be arrived within 30 days and exported within 15 days after acceptance.
- Type 63 (Warehouse Entry and Exportation): Must be exported within 15 days; arrival not required prior to export.
How do I report an arrival or export event?
- Go to In-Bond Menu → In-Bond Update.
- Enter the File Number (or NEW if updating an in-bond filed by another party).
- Select the appropriate Action Code (e.g., 1 for arrival, 5 for export).
- Provide the In-Bond Control Number (IBCN), Master Bill, or Container Number, and MB Issuer (SCAC) if applicable.
- Enter Arrival/Export Date, Time, Port, and other required fields (e.g., FIRMS Code, Carrier ID).
- Use the (T)ransmit command and verify acceptance in response screens.
Can I update an in-bond filed by another broker?
Yes, use NEW in the File Number field to create an update without linking to an existing ATS file. Complete the required fields (e.g., IBCN, SCAC, event details) and transmit.
Querying and Monitoring
How do I check the status of an in-bond movement?
- Go to In-Bond Menu → Query & Monitoring.
- Use the AMS/Cargo Query to look up status, exceptions, or aging.
- Select a Query Type (e.g., I for In-Bond Number, B for Master/House Bill).
- Enter the SCAC Code, Transaction No., or HAWB Number, and set Related BOL Ind. or Request BL & Entry for broader results.
- Review the response for status details or errors.
What is the AMS/Cargo Query used for?
The AMS/Cargo Query (ABI.CQ) retrieves ACE/ACS cargo manifest records to troubleshoot in-bond issues. Use it to verify:
- Master/house bill data
- Carrier SCAC codes
- Port details
- Linked entry information
Run this query when ABI responses indicate mismatches (e.g., invalid bill number or voyage/flight).
What are common errors when updating or querying in-bonds?
Common errors include:
- Invalid/unknown IBCN or MB: Verify the number and SCAC in AMS/Cargo Query.
- Arrival/Export not allowed: Check in-bond type and event sequence (e.g., Type 62 requires arrival before export).
- Missing FIRMS/port information: Ensure correct 4-digit port and FIRMS codes.
- Carrier ID missing: Update SCAC maintenance with the carrier’s IRS/EIN.
Additional Details
What is the purpose of the HTS Grid in an in-bond entry?
The HTS Grid captures Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) details for compliance:
- HTS Number: 10-digit tariff code
- Description: Commodity description (editable)
- Value: Line item value
- Pieces: Quantity of pieces
- Weight: Weight in kilos (K) or pounds (LB)
Use Insert/Add/Delete on the command line to manage HTS lines and reconcile totals with the bill of lading.
How do I handle hazardous materials in an in-bond entry?
On the Hazmat Detail screen, enter:
- Hazardous Code
- Class/Qualifier
- Description
- Contact
- Flash Point
- UOM
- Negative Indicator
- Special Instructions
- Classification
This is required only for shipments containing hazardous materials.
What are the key command shortcuts in FasTrax?
Key commands on the In-Bond Entry screen include:
- (Q)uit: Exit the screen
- AddI I(N)fo: Open Additional Information
- (PR)int: Print the in-bond package
- (BL)s: Open Bill of Lading details
- (T)ransmit: Send to CBP
- (Chgs): Access charges/fees
- (P)ost: Finalize the transaction
Quick Resources
- Standard Key Words & Helpful Tips — shortcuts like
^,.n,PAGE, andSEARCH. - ABI Menu — transmissions, queries, responses.
- Forms Entry & Print — related documents and labels.
- Main Manual — return to the system overview.