U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is continuing its test program that lets participants electronically submit necessary vessel entry and clearance information through the Vessel Entrance and Clearance System (VECS), instead of using paper forms. This extension will last until February 21, 2027, allowing CBP more time to assess the system's effectiveness. The goal is to make the process more efficient and reduce paperwork by having participants enter required data once, which can be used multiple times. Eventually, CBP plans to make this electronic submission method mandatory for all vessel entries and clearances into U.S. ports.
Simple Explanation
The people who help ships come into the country are testing a new way where ship workers can use a computer instead of paper to tell them about their ships. This test will keep going for about two more years to see if the computer way is better and easier.