The Pre-Arrival Processing System (PAPS) is a U.S. Bureau of Customs and Border Protection border cargo release mechanism that utilizes barcode technology to expedite the release of commercial shipments while still processing each shipment through Border Cargo Selectivity (BCS) and the Automated Targeting System (ATS).

Each PAPS shipment requires a unique barcode label, which the carrier attaches to the invoice and the truck manifest while the merchandise is still in Canada. The barcode consists of the U.S. Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC) and Pro-Bill number. This information is then faxed ahead to the Customs broker in the U.S., who prepares a BCS entry in ACS. Upon the truck’s arrival at the border, the Customs Inspector scans the barcode, which automatically retrieves the entry information from ACS. If no examination is required, the Inspector then releases the truck from the primary booth, reducing the carrier’s wait time and easing congestion at the U.S. border.

For more information and assistance in developing your PAPS program, contact your NGJ account representative or nearest NGJ office.

For detailed contact information including our fax numbers for submitting your PAPS information, please see our online directory.

To track your PAPS status, visit our PAPS Tracking page. In addition to tracking via a PC, we have added the ability to track your PAPS status via an Internet enabled wireless device. From your Internet enabled cell phone or PDA, click http://www.ngjensen.com/tools/papstrack.wml to track your PAPS status.