CBP Issues Flow Chart on Simplified Entry Air Cargo & CBP Messaging

U.S. Customs and Border Protection has posted an updated version of its "Trade Transformation" document on CBP's "BEST" trade plan for 21st century trade. This document has been updated, in part, to provide a flow diagram of the Simplified Entry process in the air cargo environment which depicts filer and carrier actions and CBP's corresponding messaging from pre-departure to arrival. The updated document also provides a general overview and expected next steps for CBP's Simplified Entry initiative.

Flow Diagram Shows Simplified Entry Process from Pre-Departure to Arrival

CBP provides a flow diagram depicting the Simplified Entry Process in the air cargo environment from pre-departure to arrival (the italicized text represents CBP messaging):

Pre-Departure

• Filer Simplified Entry Submission -- Entry Data Acceptance & Bill Match Message
• Air Carrier ACAS Submission* and Targeting Systems -- ACAS Acceptance/Bill Match Message, ACAS Load Message, Release Message

Wheels Up

• Carrier Flight Departure -- Flight Departure Message

Remaining Flight Time¹

• Carrier Manifest Submission (AMS) -- Manifest Acceptance/Bill Match Message
• Targeting Systems
• Filer Updates -- Updated Release Message
• Targeting Sytems
• Resolve Any Holds Prior to Arrival

Arrival

• Official Release of Goods

*If a filer does not use an ACAS carrier participant, release messaging can only be received after a manifest is filed.

Overview of Simplified Entry Initiative

As part of CBP's "BEST" trade plan, Simplified Entry will help CBP conduct better targeting, expedite trade, and will provide transaction savings. This is because Simplified Entry simplifies the merchandise release process, allows for more streamlined electronic transmission for the filer, and assists importers in finalizing cargo movement logistics, as follows:

1. Filers will submit a streamlined data submission. Filers will submit a reduced amount of information -- 12 required and three optional data elements -- prior to the arrival of the merchandise for transporting the cargo to the U.S.

2. Filers can provide the information in advance. The simplified entry can be filed earlier in the import process, allowing an expanded window of opportunity to identify potential risks earlier.

3. Filers can update the data for accuracy. It will also allow ACE Simplified Entry pilot participants to update entry information, providing CBP more accurate data and enhancing cargo security.

Reduces number of required data elements. Simplify Entry reduces duplicative data elements on CBP’s 3461 entry form. This promotes the concept of “the owner of the data knows the data best”, resulting in more accurate information. After removing duplicative data, the Simplified Entry data set replaces the CBP 3461. (See ITT's Online Archives 11120515 for summary of a "side-by-side" comparison of Form 3461 and the Simplified Entry data set.)

Moves CBP closer to management by account. Simplified Entry allows for periodic summary filing and payment settlement that allows a flexible timeframe for submission, reflecting the dynamic nature of entry summary process. It also aligns CBP summary requirements with importer business models for maximum efficiency.

Streamlines the summary process. Simplified Entry has a long term vision which streamlines the previously transactional review of duties, allowing importers the flexibility to make adjustments, reflecting a "net" of duties owed/paid.

First simplified entry expected in March. CBP is working with participants on its pilot test of Simplified Entry for air cargo in the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE). The Office of International Trade (OT) has developed a pilot schedule that begins testing in mid-February 2012 followed by production in late February to early March 2012. The first Simplified Entry is expected to be filed in March. OT is also set to begin work on Simplified Summary, and has reconvened the Simplified Processes Working Group to determine the framework necessary for piloting that project.

CBP Updates Its "BEST" Trade Plan to No Longer Include ACAS, ISF

CBP states it will transform its trade processes through various initiatives by using its "BEST" trade plan. CBP has updated these goals to no longer include the security initiatives Air Cargo Advance Screening (ACAS) and the Importer Security Filing (ISF) from the better targeting and segmenting risk goals.The BEST goals now include the following initiatives:

• Better Targeting -- Automated Commercial Environment (ACE), Simplified Entry
• Expedite Trade -- ACE, CEE, and Simplified Entry
• Segment Risk -- Role of the Broker, CEE
• Transaction Savings -- Simplified Summary, Simplified Entry, ACE, CEE

(This document also provides information on the Centers of Excellence and Expertise (CEE) and the Role of the Broker. See ITT's Online Archives 12020903 for summary on the locations of the nine existing and future CEEs. See ITT's Online Archives 12020702 and 12012721 for summaries of CBP's work on the role of the broker.)

¹The timeframes for submitting advance electronic cargo information are as follows: (1) for nearby foreign areas (North America, including locations in Mexico, Central America, South America (from north of Ecuador only), the Caribbean, and Bermuda), CBP must receive the required cargo information no later than the time of departure of the aircraft for the U.S. (no later than the time that wheels are up on the aircraft, and it is en route directly to the U.S.); and (2) for any other foreign areas, CBP must receive this information no later than 4 hours prior to the arrival of the aircraft in the U.S. For BP summary of the 2003 final rule requirements for advance cargo information, send a request to documents@brokerpower.com.

(See ITT's Online Archives 11122009 for summary of an earlier CBP presentation which also depicted the Simplified Entry process.

See ITT's Online Archives 12010425 for summary of Frequently Asked Questions on the ACE Simplified Entry pilot.

See ITT's Online Archives 12012322 for summary of CBP's expectation that the first Simplified Entry will be filed in March 2012.)