CBP Form 1300 – Vessel Entrance or Clearance Statement

CBP Form 1300 PDF Details

CBP Form 1300, the Vessel Entrance or Clearance Statement, is a mandatory legal document administered by the Department of Homeland Security's U.S. Customs and Border Protection. It is required under 19 CFR Part 4 and 19 U.S.C. 1433 for all commercial vessels entering or departing U.S. ports and places. The form collects comprehensive data about the vessel, voyage, and cargo to enable port authorities to verify compliance with U.S. trade and maritime laws prior to allowing vessel entrance or granting clearance.

The document captures the manifest number, port of arrival or departure, vessel name, nationality, and vessel type, along with gross and net tonnage and the Tonnage Mark status. Cargo particulars must be declared in full, along with crew and passenger counts, carrier details, and Load Line and SOLAS certificate expiration dates. Officers must also disclose bunker type and value, coast-allowable passenger limits, and any Certificate of Financial Responsibility for water pollution. All sections require careful completion, as errors or omissions may delay clearance of vessels or result in penalties under U.S. maritime law.

The Vessel Entrance and Clearance System (VECS), which processes CBP Form 1300 data, is governed by an information collection authority renewed by the Federal Register. Retaining a copy of the completed form 1300 vessel record is advisable for auditing purposes. Fully completed submissions help streamline port operations and support national security goals by ensuring all clearance of vessels entering or departing the United States is properly documented.