Update on CBP’s System for Uploading Document Images for CBP, PGA Use
During a December 2010 trade association webinar, a CBP official discussed CBP’s new document imaging system in the Automated Commercial Environment. At this webinar, a CBP official provided additional details on DIS, including the types of forms that DIS can currently support, the limitation of current trade participation to ACE early adopters, and CBP’s work with additional participating government agencies.
Highlights of CBP’s remarks include:
DIS Capable of Supporting Invoices, Packing Lists, STBs, ISF Bonds, TSCA Certs
According to CBP, DIS is currently capable of supporting:
- Commercial invoices
- Packing lists
- Single transaction bonds
- Importer Security Filing bonds
- Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) certificates
CBP is currently working with PGAs to identify other documents for DIS.
Now that CBP has the ability to take such documents into the DIS, it will begin working on the business rules, validations, and policies around the use of the above types of documents.
Both CBP and Relevant PGA to Have Access to Document Image
When a document is requested, the DIS will allow a document image to be transmitted to CBP using one of three protocols (secure FTP, secure web services, or existing ABI MQ mechanism). CBP (e.g. inspectors, ABI client reps, national account managers) will be able to view the document and, if the document request is driven by an ITDS participating government agency, that PGA will have the ability to view the document.
CBP notes that it will have to work with each PGA to define a policy and protocol for how the PGA wants the documents it requests to be handled by CBP.
CBP is Working on DIS with EPA, FDA, CPSC, Etc.
CBP has previously stated that it began testing DIS with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). CBP is also working with a few other agencies, including the Food and Drug Administration, Consumer Product Safety Commission, and State Department. CBP has asked all PGAs to identify any of their paper based documents that could benefit from an electronic image process like DIS.
Phase 1 Is Actual DIS Tool, Phase 2 is Interfaces with PGAs
According to CBP, Phase 1 of DIS is the development of the actual DIS tool to allow (i) trade partners to submit documents and data tags to CBP, (ii) the transmitted documents to be stored by CBP, (iii) authorized CBP and PGA personnel to retrieve a document and review it; and (iv) the trade to obtain the status of the submitted document. CBP states that Phase 1 has been delivered.
CBP states that DIS Phase 2 will build on Phase 1 functionality to provide interfaces with PGAs.
One of Challenges Facing CBP is Building DIS Link to ACE Entry Summary
CBP notes that one of the challenges it faces is making sure that DIS is linked to the ACE entry system so that when a document is requested, it will link automatically to the ACE entry summary.
Trade Participation Currently Limited to ACE “Early Adopters”
CBP currently has trade partners that are participating in the DIS in parallel with the current paper processes (until the business rules, policies and regulations are all defined within each of the PGAs and CBP). CBP notes that is currently limiting trade participation in DIS to ACE “early adopters” and has not yet determined how it will roll out DIS to the rest of the trade community.
Expedited Cargo Release, Exam Are Benefits of DIS
According to CBP, the benefits of its DIS include:
- expedites release/exam of imported cargo;
- allows cargo inspectors to take pictures of goods, send the picture to CBP or a PGA, and obtain input/instructions back on whether a trademark, copyright, or other violation exists;
- expedites communication between CBP and the PGAs; and
- reduces costs associated with paper documents.
See ITT’s Online Archives or 12/21/10 news, 10122124, for BP summary of the Trade Support Network’s plans to submit to CBP its DIS “wish list” in January 2011.
See ITT’s Online Archives or 11/18/10 news, 10111824, for BP summary of details on CBP’s DIS from the November 9, 2010 COAC meeting, as well as information presented at a TSN press call.)