The in-bond regulation changes also mandate that a FIRMS code must be included when reporting the arrival of an in-bond. The FIRMS code tells CBP more specifically where the in-bond shipment has arrived. Where the port code tells CBP the general area, the FIRMS code tells them the specific facility the goods have arrived at. The FIRMS code you use must always be associated to the destination port of the in-bond.

Depending on the type of in-bond movement, the FIRMS code you need to use may refer to different types of facilities:

1. A CBP port facility. This would be used in cases where you’re reporting the arrival of an in-bond that has already left the U.S., such as a Transportation and Exportation in-bond that has already crossed into Canada. The appropriate CBP port facility would be that of the port of exit from the U.S.

2. A U.S. bonded warehouse or foreign trade zone. Applicable whenever the in-bond movement covers delivery to one of these two types of facility.

3. An airport, seaport, or other secure carrier facility.