A Post Summary Correction (PSC) is an official process that allows U.S. importers to electronically amend entry summary data submitted through the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE), provided that the entry has not yet been liquidated.
Importers are required by law to ensure that the submitted information is accurate, and PSC provides a clear process to revise the original CBP Form 7501 (Entry Summary).
It includes key data such as classification, valuation, duties, and other declarations. PSCs are treated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) as new entry summaries and follow strict eligibility requirements, including timing limitations, control status, and payment confirmation. If these guidelines are not followed correctly, it may lead to rejection, penalties, or the need to pursue alternative correction methods after liquidation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Listed below are some of the most commonly asked questions about post summary corrections (PSC), which are part of the import and customs clearance process.
When Can I Submit a Post Summary Correction?
You can submit a Post Summary Correction (PSC) after an entry summary has been accepted in ACE, but only before it is liquidated.
The entry must also meet certain conditions:
- The entry summary is not under CBP review
- The entry summary is in CBP control
- The entry summary has been fully paid
In most cases, PSCs can be submitted up to 300 days from the date of entry must be filed at least 15 days before the scheduled liquidation date
Exceptions may apply, such as when liquidation is suspended due to an ongoing investigation or court action. Additionally, if a liquidation extension is granted, the PSC filing window may be adjusted. Failing to meet these conditions means you’ll need to pursue other correction methods, like filing a protest or prior disclosure after liquidation.
What Are the Requirements for a Post Summary Correction (PSC) to Be Accepted?
To be eligible for a PSC, your entry summary must meet several requirements:
- The entry must be in accepted status within the ACE system.
- It must be under CBP control and not under any form of review.
- The entry must be fully paid. If it is on a Periodic Monthly Statement (PMS), the payment must have cleared.
- It must not be flagged for team review if multiple PSCs are intended.
- It must not be liquidated.
If any of these conditions are not met, the PSC submission will be rejected by the system.
Importers should also be aware that the PSC will not be processed until payment has been confirmed. This includes waiting up to 45 days in some cases for CBP to receive payment on the Periodic Monthly Statement (PMS) entries.
Importers relying on third parties for filing should ensure that payment status is verified before initiating a PSC to avoid unnecessary rejections or compliance concerns.
What Changes Can Be Made Through a Post Summary Correction (PSC)?
Importers can use a PSC to correct key details in a previously accepted entry summary, as long as the entry has not been liquidated. Common changes include:
- Product classification (HTS code)
- Declared value and quantity
- Country of origin
- Manufacturer ID
- Trade program eligibility
- Invoice number or reference data
- Entry type (between 01 and 03 only)
Each PSC must include a reason code and a short explanation for the change. CBP allows up to five reason codes per submission. The PSC replaces the full entry summary, so all required data must be present.
CBP will reject a PSC if it is incomplete or attempts to modify restricted fields. For example, you cannot use a PSC to change the importer of record, port of entry, trade agreement indicators, or date of entry.
Can I Submit More Than One Post Summary Correction (PSC) for the Same Entry?
Yes. You can file more than one Post Summary Correction (PSC) for the same entry, as long as the entry hasn’t been liquidated and is not under team review.
There’s no formal limit on the number of PSCs per entry. But each PSC must include the full set of required data and fully replace the previous version. Partial or piecemeal corrections are technically allowed, but not recommended.
If the entry is flagged for team review, only one PSC is permitted.
Before submitting, make sure each correction is complete and accurate. Submitting multiple incomplete PSCs can increase the risk of rejection or processing delays.
What Happens If the Post Summary Correction (PSC) Filing Window Is Missed?
If you miss the PSC window, you can no longer use it to correct the entry summary. CBP will automatically reject PSCs submitted after the deadline or after liquidation. At that point, your remaining options depend on the issue.
If the error relates to duties or classification, you may be able to file a protest within 180 days of liquidation, under 19 U.S.C. 1514. If the issue involves a possible violation, a prior disclosure may be appropriate. These are legal procedures that follow different rules and require separate filings.
Missing the PSC window does not mean the problem cannot be addressed, but it limits the available correction paths. Importers should monitor their filings closely and submit PSCs early when needed. Waiting too long may delay resolution, limit your ability to fix errors, or increase the risk of complications later in the process.
Does PSC Apply to Air and Ocean Freight Shipments?
Yes. PSC applies to all modes of transportation, including air freight and ocean freight, as long as the entry is filed using ACE and meets the criteria for PSC.
Whether shipping via Full Container Load (FCL) or Less than Container Load (LCL), any errors in classification, duty rate, or declared value in the entry summary can be corrected through the PSC process.
International shippers using multiple suppliers or handling high-value imports may be especially prone to discrepancies in valuation or classification. Using PSC properly helps prevent issues during liquidation, such as unexpected duty assessments or penalties, and ensures compliance with CBP requirements.
How Are PSC Submissions Processed by CBP?
Once submitted through ACE, a Post Summary Correction (PSC) is treated by CBP as a new version of the entry summary. It fully replaces the previous version and must include all required data, including any unchanged elements. CBP does not process the PSC until full payment for the original entry has been received. For entries on a Periodic Monthly Statement (PMS), payment confirmation may take up to 45 days.
There is no limit to the number of PSCs that can be filed for a single entry, unless the entry has been flagged for team review. In that case, only one PSC is allowed.
CBP may review the PSC to ensure the corrections meet eligibility requirements and are properly documented. If the PSC is incomplete or submitted outside the filing window, ACE will reject it automatically. Once accepted, the PSC is subject to liquidation like any other entry summary.
Can I Cancel a Post Summary Correction After Submission?
No. Once a Post Summary Correction (PSC) is submitted through ACE, you can’t cancel or delete it. CBP treats each PSC as a full replacement of the original entry summary. If the PSC includes incorrect data or was filed by mistake, your only option is to submit a new PSC with corrected information, assuming the entry is still eligible and hasn’t been liquidated.
This is why it’s critical to review everything before submitting. Errors in the PSC may lead to compliance issues, delays, or rejection. Always double-check classification, value, reason codes, and documentation before filing.
Who Is Authorized to File a PSC?
A Post Summary Correction (PSC) must be submitted by an authorized filer through the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE). This includes the original filer of the entry summary or another ACE-approved filer authorized by the same importer of record.
Both customs brokers and importers may file a PSC, as long as they have proper ACE access and authority to act on the importer’s behalf. The filer must also have access to the original entry summary data in ACE.
If a different filer submits the PSC, they must be explicitly authorized by the importer of record linked to that entry. Without this authorization, CBP will not accept the correction.