Updates on Customs Compliance in North America: HS Codes and Manifest Filing

To help our customers avoid delays and ensure that their shipments comply with customs regulations, we would like to share two important updates regarding North American customs requirements.

These measures aim to enhance accuracy, transparency, and traceability across all shipments bound for the United States, Puerto Rico, and Canada. We encourage our clients and partners to review and update their shipping documentation accordingly

1. 1. Mandatory 6-Digit HS Codes and Accurate Cargo Descriptions

For all shipments to the United States, Puerto Rico, and Canada, customs authorities require a valid 6-digit Harmonized System (HS) code and a description that precisely reflects the true nature of the goods.

This requirement applies to the following types of operations:

• Import

• FROB (Freight Remaining On Board – vessels calling at North American ports)

• Transshipment

• In transit

What your documentation must include:

• Valid HS Code: Customers must declare a valid 6-digit HS code using the official Harmonized System platform. You can identify the correct classification at https://hts.usitc.gov/.

• Accurate Cargo Description: The first line of the description must match the valid HS code and clearly describe the product being shipped.

  
  

If HS codes or descriptions are missing or incorrect, shipping instructions may be rejected, and cargo may face delays, inspections, or customs refusal.

Recommendation: Share this information with your partners at origin to ensure that all shipping instructions for cargo bound for North America fully comply with the new regulations.

2. Automatic Manifest Rejection by CBP (United States only)

Starting September 27, 2025, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will implement an automatic rejection process for manifests that lack complete or accurate information.

The following details must be included in every shipping instruction:

• Cargo Description: A clear, precise, and specific description that allows CBP to identify the goods being shipped.

• Consignee Information: The full name and address of the consignee receiving the shipment.

• Shipper Information: The full name and address of the foreign company initiating the shipment.

Shipments that fail to include this information may be held at the border until corrected.For rail cargo, CPKC requires complete and accurate shipping instructions; any missing or incorrect information may cause additional delays.

Stay Compliant and Prevent Delays

Victoria Line recommends that customers verify their shipping documentation in advance to ensure smooth and compliant delivery to North American destinations.

Our operations team is available to assist you in updating HS codes, cargo descriptions, and manifest details, helping you maintain compliance with current customs regulations.

Have questions about these new requirements?Contact our team through our official channels — we’ll be glad to help you keep your logistics operations running seamlessly and in compliance.