The test will use unique identifiers and tamper-proof credentials to help document crude oil movements from Canada and Mexico to the U.S., and the data can be reviewed in near real time.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has announced a new National Customs Automation Program (NCAP) test for crude oil imports transported by pipeline from Canada and Mexico into the United States.
The Pipeline Global Interoperability Standards Test will begin on July 2, 2026, and is scheduled to run for one year, unless CBP extends, modifies, or ends the test early through a future Federal Register notice.
The test is intended to evaluate a new method for collecting and transmitting data on pipeline crude oil movements. Under the test, participating importers, pipeline operators, and licensed customs brokers will upload specific information to the Neoflow platform, which will then transmit the formatted data to the ACE testing environment.
CBP will use the test data to assess whether the process could support future test expansion, regulatory updates, supply chain visibility, monthly pipeline report reconciliation, and free trade agreement compliance, including country of origin certification requirements.
Crude oil transported by pipeline presents challenges for tracing and reconciliation. It can move through a pipeline network over several days or weeks, be bought or sold while in transit, and be subdivided or diverted before reaching its final destination.
CBP currently relies on a largely manual process to track volumes, reconcile monthly pipeline reports, and review entry, Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) admission, and in-bond filings. Current monthly reporting on crude oil imports can make it difficult to obtain a complete view of origin, ownership, and movement across the supply chain.
Participation in the test is voluntary, and no regulatory requirements are being waived. Test participants must continue to provide all required data under current rules, including entry, FTZ admission, in-bond movement or entry information, and monthly pipeline operator reports.
At Cole International, we offer trade consulting services to help Canadian businesses stay informed about evolving trade regulations and manage cross-border customs requirements.
If you export crude oil via pipeline to the U.S., reach out to one of our trade professionals to learn more about this test and how to participate.