Overview

An in-bond transfer of liability moves custodial responsibility for the shipment from the current bonded carrier to a new bonded carrier. In ACE, this is submitted as a transfer action in the In-Bond Arrival/Export/Transfer transaction. The transfer is recorded at the applicable port/location and associated with the in-bond number and equipment/bill details.

CBP’s ACE CATAIR In-Bond chapter defines the transfer transaction and record layout. Appendix D explains disposition codes that reflect a transfer. See References.

When to Use a Transfer

Typical scenarios

Carrier handoff: One bonded carrier turns the cargo over to another bonded carrier mid-route (e.g., rail → truck, linehaul → dray).
Facility-driven change: Cargo is staged at a bonded terminal and a different carrier takes possession for the next leg.
Mode change: Intermodal movements where custody changes between carriers/modes.

Restrictions

Both parties must be properly bonded and identified in ACE (SCAC/IATA).
Transfers are not used to complete arrival or export—use the corresponding actions.
Post-arrival/export transfers are generally not permitted; follow port guidance.

Required Fields

Core

In-Bond Number being transferred
Transfer Port/Location (CBP port code; FIRMS if at a facility)
From Carrier (current bonded custodian)
To Carrier (new bonded carrier — SCAC/IATA)
Transfer Date/Time
Equipment/Container and (if required) Bill references
Quantity & UQ (for partial transfers)

Helpful

Seal numbers and condition
Conveyance/Trip (voyage/flight/truck trip)
Remarks explaining reason for transfer (use your [] keywords)

Steps: Perform a Transfer

Open In-Bond → Transfer.
Enter the In-Bond Number and verify the record.
Select the Transfer Port (and FIRMS if at a bonded facility).
Enter New Bonded Carrier (SCAC/IATA) and, if applicable, conveyance/trip.
Provide Transfer Date/Time and confirm quantity/UQ and equipment/bill references.
Add a brief remark and choose Transmit to send the transfer to ACE.
Monitor the response queue; on reject, correct the cited field(s) and re‑transmit.

Partial Transfers (Split Movements)

When only a portion of the manifested quantity changes custody, indicate the transfer quantity and UQ; retain the balance with the original custodian.
Keep container/bill references aligned to the portion being transferred.
Use remarks to maintain a clear audit trail across subsequent legs.

ACE Responses & Disposition Codes

Upon acceptance, ACE returns status notifications and may post a disposition code indicating transfer of custodial liability. Disposition codes are defined in ACE Appendix D (e.g., codes indicating transfer between bonded carriers or facility custody changes).

Common Errors & Fixes

Carrier / Bonding

Invalid or unbonded carrier: Confirm the new carrier’s SCAC/IATA and that a valid carrier bond is on file.
Mismatched mode: Use the correct identifier format per mode (SCAC vs IATA) and provide conveyance when required.

Ports / Facilities

Invalid port or FIRMS: Use a valid CBP port code and an active bonded facility when the handoff occurs at a terminal.
Wrong action type: Use Transfer for custody changes, not Arrival or Export.

Quantities / References

Missing split quantity: For partials, provide the transfer quantity/UQ and tie to the correct equipment/bill.
Duplicate messages: Avoid resending identical transfer records for the same event.

See “In-Bond Common Errors” and CAMIR guides for exact error messages returned by mode.

Validation & Best Practices

Confirm the new carrier has accepted custody operationally before submitting the transfer.
Use consistent remarks ([] keywords) to document handoff details.
For intermodal, ensure the equipment/bill references match the portion moving under the new carrier.
Verify that any subsequent arrival/export actions are performed by the correct custodian.

Procedures for In‑Bond Transfers & CBP Form 7512

This summary aligns with CBP regulations for transportation in-bond (19 CFR part 18), air commerce (19 CFR part 122 subpart J), and cartage/lighterage (19 CFR part 125). It also references CBP Form 7512 (Transportation Entry and Manifest of Goods Subject to CBP Inspection and Permit) and its electronic equivalents.

Transfers between conveyances

No prior CBP notice required: In‑bond merchandise may be moved from one conveyance to another at any time; doing so does not extend the maximum in‑transit time.
Timing unchanged: The 30‑day (or 60‑day for barge) in‑transit clock continues from the original authorization.

Transfer to another bonded carrier (custody hand‑off)

Report of arrival by original carrier: The carrier relinquishing custody must file the report of arrival.
New in‑bond application: The receiving bonded carrier assumes liability and files a new electronic in‑bond application for the remaining movement.

TIR carnet shipments

Transfers generally prohibited: A transfer is allowed only when unlading is necessitated by casualty en route. Use a TIR‑approved container/vehicle if available. CBP may supervise and certify the transfer on the carnet voucher.

Cartage / warehouse handling (Part 125)

All transfers to or from a conveyance or warehouse must follow Part 125. Costs are borne by the parties in interest unless covered by the carrier’s bond (CBP Form 301) or TIR carnet.

Air cargo specifics

At an intermediate airport, in‑bond cargo may be transferred to one or more aircraft of the same airline without CBP supervision or notice. Standard arrival/export rules still apply at the destination airport.

Form 7512 & electronic filing

CBP Form 7512 (and electronic equivalents) is the transportation entry and manifest used to initiate or re‑initiate in‑bond moves. When a new bonded carrier takes custody, a new electronic application replaces paper where ACE is required.

Always follow local port instructions and ACE CATAIR specifications for message formats, disposition updates, and timelines.