EPA Reporting Mandatory in ACE and the EFN Requirement
EPA reporting is now mandatory for Customs ACE entry filing, requiring the Engine Family Name (EFN) for all shipments containing Privately-Owned Vehicles (POVs). It is essential to collect EFN information immediately to avoid complications during shipping.
- Shippers should take a picture of the Vehicle Emission Control Information (VECI) label before packing the vehicle. This label is usually found under the hood or on the driver’s side door frame.
- Collecting this information in advance prevents delays and additional costs associated with accessing containers that are not Customs cleared.
- For assistance or clarification, Gallagher Transport is available to help with any questions regarding this new requirement.
The EPA reporting requirement mandates that all Customs ACE entry filings include specific environmental data as of May 18, 2017. This includes the Engine Family Name (EFN), which is now a necessary data field for shipments containing Privately-Owned Vehicles (POVs), ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
As you may know, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reporting is becoming mandatory in Customs ACE entry filing as of 5/18/17. As a result of this, the Engine Family Name (EFN) is now a required data field for all shipments that include a Privately-Owned Vehicle (POV).
• It is imperative to start collecting the Engine Family Name (EFN) information on all import shipments that include vehicles immediately.
The best way to collect the information is to have the shipper (or packers) take a picture of the Vehicle Emission Control Information (VECI) label on the vehicle before it packs and include the picture with the other documents collected related to the POV (DOT Form HS-7 and EPA Form 3520-1). The label is typically found under the hood of the vehicle or in the engine compartment, but could be on the inside of the driver’s side door frame.
Here is a pictogram showing where to look for the VECI:
Once the vehicle is packed in a container and shipped on a vessel, it will become impossible to obtain the number until the container can be accessed in the US. This can cause major difficulties and increased costs to gain access to a container that has not been Customs cleared, so make sure to collect a photo of the label before shipping.
Here is a sample of what the VECI label can look like, but it does come in many different varieties and formats.
The EFN can be very difficult to recognize on the label, so it is best to collect a photo of the label rather than having the shipper try to identify the correct information independently. Once the vehicle is packed in a container and shipped on a vessel, it will become impossible to obtain the number until the container can be accessed in the US. This can cause major delays, difficulties and increased costs to gain access to a container that has not been Customs cleared, so make sure to collect a photo of the label before shipping.
Click this link to go to the EPA website for an article on how to locate the VECI and EFN.
Please feel free to contact Gallagher Transport with any questions or further clarification on this issue. As always, we are here to help and happy to do so!