e-APIS Rules in Effect

The Department of Homeland Security’s new rule that requires general aviation pilots to file passenger names and other information to government officials before crossing a U.S. border became effective December 18, though compliance isn’t required until May 18. Under the rule, all Part 91 operators must electronically submit–via the Electronic Advance Passenger Information System (e-APIS)–to U.S. Customs passenger manifest information for each individual traveling on board an aircraft arriving in the U.S. from another country or vice versa. While Customs is encouraging operators to use e-APIS, NBAA v-p of safety, security and regulations Doug Carr told AIN that until May 18 compliance is merely voluntary.