This subpart sets forth the general requirements and procedures for Remote Location Filing (RLF). RLF entries are subject to the documentation, document retention and document retrieval requirements of this chapter as well as the general entry requirements of parts 141, 142 and 143 of this chapter. Participation in the RLF program is voluntary and at the option of the filer.

The following definitions, in addition to the definitions set forth in § 143.32 of this part, apply for purposes of this subpart E:

(a) Remote Location Filing (RLF)—“RLF” is an elective method of making entry by which a customs broker with a national permit electronically transmits all data information associated with an entry that CBP can process in a completely electronic data interchange system to a RLF-operational CBP location from a remote location other than where the goods are being entered. (Importers filing on their own behalf may file electronically in any port, subject to ABI filing requirements.)

(b) RLF-operational CBP location—“RLF-operational CBP location” means a CBP location within the customs territory of the United States that is staffed with CBP personnel who have been trained in RLF procedures and who have operational experience with the Electronic Invoice Program (EIP). EIP is defined in § 143.32 of this chapter. A list of all RLF-operational locations is available for viewing on the CBP Internet Web site located athttp://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/trade/trade_programs/remote_location_filing/.

(a) Automation criteria. To be eligible for RLF, a licensed customs broker or importer of record must be:

(1) Operational on the ABI (see 19 CFR part 143, subpart A);

(2) Operational on the EIP prior to applying for RLF; and

(3) Operational on the ACH (or any other CBP-approved method of electronic payment), for purposes of directing the electronic payment of duties, taxes and fees (see 19 CFR 24.25), 30 days before transmitting a RLF entry.

(b) Broker must have national permit. To be eligible for RLF, a licensed customs broker must hold a valid national permit (see 19 CFR 111.19(f)).

(c) Continuous bond. A RLF entry must be secured with a continuous bond.

(a) Electronic transmission of invoice data. For RLF transactions, a customs broker or importer of record must transmit electronically, using EIP, any invoice data required by CBP.

(b) Electronic transmission of payment. For RLF transactions, a customs broker or importer of record must direct the electronic payment of duties, taxes and fees through the ACH (see 19 CFR 24.25) or any other method of electronic payment authorized by CBP.

(c) Automation requirements. Only those entries and entry summaries that CBP processes completely in an electronic data interchange system will be accepted for RLF. For a listing of entry types that may be filed via RLF, go to http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/trade/trade_programs/remote_location_filing/.

(d) Combined electronic entry and entry summary. For RLF transactions using a combined electronic entry and entry summary, a customs broker must submit to CBP, through ABI or any other electronic interface authorized by CBP, a complete and error-free electronic data transmission constituting the entry summary that serves as both the entry and entry summary.

(e) No line release or immediate delivery entries permitted under RLF. Line release (see 19 CFR, Part 142, Subpart D) or immediate delivery procedures may not be combined with RLF transactions.

(f) Data acceptance and release of merchandise. Data that are complete and error free will be accepted by CBP. If electronic invoice or additional electronic documentation is required, CBP will so notify the RLF filer. If no documentation is required to be filed, CBP will so notify the RLF filer. If CBP accepts the RLF entry (including invoice data) under §§ 143.34 through 143.36 of this part, the RLF entry will be deemed to satisfy all filing requirements under this part and the merchandise may be released.

(g) Liquidation. The entry summary will be scheduled for liquidation once payment is made under statement processing (see 19 CFR 24.25).

When filing from a remote location, a RLF filer must electronically file all additional information required by CBP to be presented with the entry and entry summary information (including facsimile transmissions) that CBP can accept electronically. If CBP cannot accept additional information electronically, the RLF filer must file the additional information in a paper format at the CBP port of entry where the goods arrived.