US Tightens Airfreight Security Rules for 2026

The United States is tightening air cargo security requirements, introducing enhanced data, screening and compliance measures that are expected to add more than $110m in annual costs.

The changes, effective from November, build on the Air Cargo Advance Screening (ACAS) programme, which requires carriers, forwarders and other inbound air cargo participants to submit mandatory shipment data to US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) earlier, more accurately, and in a format capable of automated risk assessment.

The latest CBP updates raise the bar for pre-loading information, including stricter timelines, expanded data elements, and stronger enforcement for non-compliance. The aim is to ensure high-risk cargo is identified before it enters the aviation network, reducing security vulnerabilities and improving cargo visibility at origin airports.

What CBP has changed

CBP now expects air cargo data to be complete, accurate and transmitted in real time before loading onto aircraft bound for the United States. The updated requirements include:

• Additional mandatory data elements, such as expanded shipper/consignee details and more granular commodity descriptions.
• Stricter submission windows, with ACAS filings required as early as possible after consolidation, rather than shortly before departure.
• Increased use of automated targeting, reinforcing the need for clean, structured, fully digital air waybills.
• Higher operational penalties, where delayed, incomplete, or inaccurate data may lead to freight holds, re-screening, or possible refusal to load.

The new rules also place more responsibility on forwarders to validate data at source, ensuring shipments presented to carriers do not trigger holds or security referrals.

Short and longer term impact on air cargo

In the near term, the industry is experiencing tighter cut-off times, more documentation checks at origin, and a noticeable rise in “Do Not Load” (DNL) messages where shipment data fails to meet ACAS standards.

For time-sensitive categories such as high-tech, perishables and e-commerce, better data discipline is critical to protect transit reliability.

Over the longer term, the ACAS enhancements are expected to drive a broader digital transition in air cargo. Paper-based workflows and inconsistent data formats are becoming incompatible with automated US security systems, with policy direction indicating a shift towards digital air waybills aligned with structured data standards.

Metro is fully compliant – and ready

Metro has already updated its internal processes and automated customs platform CuDoS to align with the enhanced ACAS requirements. CuDoS now validates mandatory data elements, applies structured descriptions, and generates compliant digital air waybill detail that meet CBP’s transmission standards.

These upgrades ensure:

• Accurate, timely, pre-loading data submissions
• Faster acceptance at airline terminals
• Lower risk of Do Not Load instructions
• A smoother experience for shippers moving goods into the US under tighter regulations

As security expectations continue to rise, Metro’s investment in automation and compliant data flows provides customers with certainty and resilience in an increasingly regulated airfreight environment.

For support with US-bound air cargo or to learn how CuDoS strengthens compliance, EMAIL Metro’s managing director, Andrew Smith.