Southern Currents 21-023 was issued by CBP New Orleans to update and clarify their policy regarding submission of a vessel’s formal entry. Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays have not previously counted against the 48-hour window for declaring formal entry and making payment. Effective Monday, March 1, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays WILL COUNT AGAINST THE 48 HOURS.

Vessel Formal Entry:

Reference: (19 CFR §4.3(a) and 19 USC §1434(a))

Within 48 hours after the arrival at any port or place in the New Orleans Tri-Port, vessels are required to make formal entry at the New Orleans, Gramercy, or Baton Rouge Marine Divisions

• Effective Monday March 1, 2021, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays count when calculating the 48 hours for vessel formal entry.
• If the Gramercy or Baton Rouge Marine Division is closed, coordinate the entrance/clearance with the New Orleans Marine Division. 

Vessel Departures from the Tri-Port / Delay in Departure:

Reference: (19 CFR §4.60d)

Vessels have 48 hours to depart the Tri-Port after clearance is granted at the New Orleans, Gramercy, or Baton Rouge Marine Divisions.

In the event that a vessel departure is delayed beyond 48 hours after clearance, the delay shall be reported (via telephone and fax) to the Marine Division which granted clearance. A delay departure may be granted by annotating the CBP clearance. A delay in departure will allow an additional 24 hours for the vessel to depart the New Orleans Tri-Port.

There may be times when a blanket delay in departure would be granted to all vessels due to port issues (port closures, weather conditions, etc…)

In the event that a vessel departure is delayed beyond 72 hours the vessel should notify the Marine Division which granted clearance to cancel and surrender the original clearance.

• Saturdays, Sundays and holidays count when calculating the 48 or 72 hours for vessel departures.
• If the Gramercy or Baton Rouge Marine Division is closed, coordinate the delay in departure with the New Orleans Marine Division.

Filing Complete Outbound Manifests and Export Declarations:

Reference: (19 CFR §4.75b)

Vessel Masters/Agents shall file complete outbound manifests and export declarations either electronically or to the Marine Division which granted clearance not later than the fourth (4th) business day after clearance is granted.

The timeframe to calculate the four (4) business days to file complete outbound manifests and export declarations begins on the first day after clearance is granted.

• Saturdays, Sundays and holidays do not count when calculating the four (4) business days to file complete outbound manifests and export declarations.

Please direct questions or issues to Assistant Port Director Mark Choina at mark.s.choina@cbp.dhs.gov (504) 670-2287.