What constitutes a precise description of the cargo? In the case of chemical compounds and mixtures, are formulas necessary?
The regulation requires a precise narrative description of the cargo or the 6 digit tariff number for those with the skill to provide it correctly. If there is doubt about the accuracy of a 6 digit tariff number, which can sometimes be difficult to ascertain, a precise narrative description should be used. A precise narrative description is a description that is precise enough for CBP to be able to identify the shapes, physical characteristics, and likely packaging of the manifested cargo so that CBP can identify any anomalies in the cargo when a container is run through imaging equipment. The description must also be precise enough to identify any goods, which may emit radiation. How specific that information must be depends on the nature of the commodity. For example, “electronics” is not a precise description, but “CD players” or “computer monitors” would be. CBP will continue to work with the trade to refine what descriptions are acceptable. CBP will not begin its enforcement actio
