US Customs is clamping down on the use of vague descriptions of shipments submitted through the Air Cargo Advance Screening (ACAS), reports London's Air Cargo News.

US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said that from October 7, carriers and other parties electing to file ACAS data to CBP are required to provide a precise description of the cargo.

Until then, a warning period has been put in place. Daily warning messages will be sent to the main ACAS contact each day with a summary of each vague description from the previous day.

As an example, this means that descriptions such as "gift", "daily necessities", "accessories", "parts" and "consolidated" will no longer be accepted. Further examples can be found here.

"ACAS filers are expected to process these warning and rejection notifications and work to correct the issue with the shipper and bill of lading issuer for compliance on that shipment," CBP said.

"ACAS filers, whether air carriers or parties electing to file, are expected to screen data for compliance with cargo declaration regulations.