The Manifest Modernization Act of 2025 updates public disclosure requirements for cargo manifests of vessels, vehicles, and aircraft entering the U.S., including more detailed cargo information.
Bill Cassidy
Senator
LA
The Manifest Modernization Act of 2025 amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to modernize public disclosure requirements for vessel, vehicle, and aircraft manifests entering the United States. It broadens the scope of information available to the public, including the Harmonized Tariff Schedule subheading for cargo and the last country the cargo traveled through. These changes aim to increase transparency in cargo transportation and will apply to arrivals 30 days after the Act's enactment. The Act also defines "aircraft" for clarification within the Tariff Act.
Manifest Modernization Act Mandates Public Cargo Data, Standardizes Rules Across Vessels, Vehicles, Aircraft Within 30 Days
This bill, the Manifest Modernization Act of 2025, updates the rules for the shipping manifests required for vessels, vehicles, and aircraft arriving in the U.S. Key changes include mandating more detailed cargo information, making certain manifest data publicly available, and applying these requirements uniformly across different transport methods. These changes kick in 30 days after the Act becomes law.
More Eyes on Cargo: What's Changing?
The biggest shift is the requirement for public disclosure of certain information listed on manifests, as outlined in the amendments to Section 431 of the Tariff Act of 1930. While the bill doesn't list every data point that will become public, it specifies that manifests must now include the specific classification code for the cargo under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) – essentially a universal language for identifying traded goods. Manifests will also need to list the cargo's country of origin and the last country it passed through before arriving. The idea seems to be increased transparency in what's entering the country. For businesses, this could mean competitors get a clearer view of their supply chains, raising potential confidentiality concerns. The exact impact hinges on which specific manifest fields Customs and Border Protection ultimately designates for public release.
Same Rules, Different Rides
Previously, manifest requirements might have varied slightly depending on whether goods arrived by sea, land, or air. This Act aims to standardize these rules by consistently applying them to "vessel, vehicle, or aircraft," replacing older language. It even adds a formal definition of "aircraft" to the Tariff Act (Section 401) to ensure clarity. This could streamline compliance for companies that use multiple shipping methods and simplify enforcement for customs officials. It means whether you're importing parts via container ship, truck, or cargo plane, the core manifest requirements regarding cargo details and public disclosure will be the same.
The Bottom Line
Starting 30 days after enactment, expect more detailed cargo information, including HTS codes and transit countries, on shipping manifests for all modes of transport entering the U.S. A portion of this data will be publicly accessible. This aims for greater trade transparency and standardized customs procedures, but businesses involved in importing should be aware of the potential for increased public visibility into their shipment details.