To help prevent terrorist weapons from being transported to 
the United States, vessel carriers bringing cargo to the United States 
are currently required to transmit certain information to Customs and 
Border Protection (CBP) about the cargo they are transporting prior to 
lading that cargo at foreign ports of entry. This document proposes to 
require both importers and carriers to submit additional information 
pertaining to cargo before the cargo is brought into the United States 
by vessel. CBP must receive this information by way of a CBP-approved 
electronic data interchange system. The information required is 
reasonably necessary to further improve the ability of CBP to identify 
high-risk shipments so as to prevent smuggling and ensure cargo safety 
and security. The proposed regulations are specifically intended to 
fulfill the requirements of section 203 of the Security and 
Accountability for Every (SAFE) Port Act of 2006 and section 343(a) of 
the Trade Act of 2002, as amended by the Maritime Transportation 
Security Act of 2002.