CBP adds requirements to user fee transponder policy

WASHINGTON — This past fall, U.S. Customs and Border Protection made changes to its user fee decals and transponder policy. As of October, RFID tags, also knows as transponders, replaced paper user fee decals previously issued by CBP for commercial vehicles.

The transponder is a sticker that contains an electronic chip, which will hold information about vehicles and border crossing user fee payment status.

Also, the following information is required for the purchase of a commercial vehicle transponder as of 2006:

— Color of vehicle, and cab number. If a cab number isn’t available use the last six digits of the VIN. The cab number must be unique within the organization.

— Primary License Plate number, License Plate Country Code (CAN, MEX or USA), and License Plate State-Province Code.

— SCAC Code. Standard Carrier Alpha Codes (SCAC) is a four letter code used to identify the many shipping carriers, frequently used in EDI and other documents.

— Manifest Issuing Carrier. Provide information for the company that is responsible for the shipment.

— Owner/subcontractor information, including vehicle/driver information.

Any time vehicle information changes throughout the year, carriers are required to notify CBP and request that the database be updated. Online customers must update the information using their online account.

Contact the CBP Help Desk at 317-298-1245 or decals@dhs.gov for more information.