New Processing System for Importing Horses Posted on Thursday, December 30 @ 14:27:24 CST    Effective December 15, 2004, the US Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has introduced a new mandatory system for all commercial imports to the US, including horses. The Pre Arrival Processing System (PAPS), will change the way many equine haulers prepare their paperwork for US border crossing. At first glance the new system appears complicated, but once haulers and shippers have the time to adjust to it, it will greatly streamline the border crossing process. The new system currently effects only commercial haulers, however, it may eventually include those hauling their own horses. A commercial hauler is anyone who is hauling horses for anyone other than themselves. If the hauler is not the buyer or seller of every single horse on the load, they must use the new system. There will now be only two ways to clear goods for import to the US (including horses). The first, already in place system is the BRASS/Line Release - this system requires the shipment have a BRASS/Line release card and the hauler must have a FAST card. If you currently use this system, it remains the same as before. The second way is the new Pre Arrival Processing System (PAPS). The shipper (in our case, the horse's seller as listed on the health certificate), completes a Customs Invoice (available from your broker) and gives it to the hauler. The hauler then attaches a PAPS sticker (bar code) to the invoice and faxes it to their broker. A second PAPS sticker is attached to the haulers inward invoice as well. The broker will them enter all the information into the US Customs computer and scan the bar code. Upon arrival at the border the driver will no longer need to go over to the broker to get the broker papers. The driver would proceed directly into US Customs and present the invoice with the PAPS sticker, which will be scanned and once you have cleared customs will be able to go onto the usual vet inspection. PAPS stickers - These are pre-printed bar codes that the haulers must purchase in advance. The bar codes must contain the haulers US Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC) and Pro-Bill number. There are commercial printers that are capable of providing you with suitable pre-printed bar codes. US Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC) - If you do not already have a SCAC, you need to contact the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) and apply for one. The cost is currently $30 USD. Once you receive a letter of notification and your SCAC number you would then fax it to Customs and Border Protection's Office of Applications Developement Your broker - Though you won't see them as much anymore, you will still be utilizing the services of a broker. Contact them and inform them of your intent to use PAPS, so they can provide you with information and instructions. Though two hours notice is required for importing horses by the FDA, the broker needs to make a Border Cargo Selectivity (BCS) entry into the Automated Targeting System (ATS) using the Customs Invoice and bar code, which you must fax to them. Not until your complete load information has been entered, does the two hour waiting period begin. So, in addition to the two hour prior notice requirement, you will need to allow your broker enough time to enter this information. How will this effect buyers picking up their own horses? If you are only importing your own horses the new system may not yet effect you, however that will quite likely change in the future. You will still be required to give the US vet a minimum of two hours notice of your arrival, and he may request you fax him a copy of your load manifest to speed up processing time. What if I have a load of my own horses, but I am just delivering one extra horse as a favour to someone? You will be required to use a broker for that additional horse, which means you must use PAPS. As a buyer awaiting a horse to be shipped, will this effect me? There will be no direct effect to the buyers, however the increase in costs of shipping including implementing bar code systems and administration aspects could reflect a slight increase in the cost of hauling. As well delays may occur for some haulers, particularily if they are unprepared by the end of the grace period. What will happen with the loads of horses that are due to leave right away? What if those haulers do not have enough time to get their SCAC number and bar codes printed? As with any new system, there is a grace period. This period will run until about mid-january, however the exact date it expires should be acquired directly from your broker or a US Customs office. Can't the farmer just have all the horses put in the hauler's name so they can cross without the use of a broker? Sure, if he wants to go to jail. That would be misrepresentation, and also would mean the hauler would not have the appropriate documentation to deliver the horse(s) to you , only to his own residence. In order to properly transport them to you, he would be required by state regulations to obtain new certificates of health showing the horses going from his place to yours. The reason for these requirements is for tracking purposes. If a horse should turn up with a serious contagious illness, state officials will need to track down every horse that arrived on the load with it. Though many people take the accuracy required for these documents far too lightly, it is a big mistake to import a horse in any name other than the true buyer and seller. Even if that could be done, any horses shipped under the EPP subsidy must show the appropriate seller and buyer as well, in order to fulfill the reimbursement requirements. National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) To obtain your SCAC, see their web site our call (703)838-1868 For more information on PAPS or other CBP import regulations see the US Customs and Border Protection website. For information on Broker Services see Norman G. Jensens or contact your current broker. For information on the prior notice requirements for live animals see the FDA's Prior Notice of Imported Food Questions and Answers document.

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