CBP Seeks Comments on Application to Use the ACE Info Collection

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is requesting comments by May 11, 2012 on an existing information collection concerning the Application to use the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE). CBP proposes to extend the expiration date of this information collection with no change to the burden hours or to the information collected.

Companies and/or Individuals Are Required to Submit Basic Info for ACE Participation

ACE is a trade processing system that will eventually replace the Automated Commercial System (ACS), the current import system for CBP operations. ACE supports government agencies with border-related missions, as well as the business community with respect to moving goods across the border efficiently and securely. Once ACE is fully implemented, all related CBP functions and the trade community will be supported from a single common user interface. The CBP transition to ACE began in October 2003 with the launch of the ACE Secure Data Portal, a customized Web page that provides a single, user-friendly gateway to access CBP information via the internet for CBP, the trade community and Participating Government Agencies.

In order to participate in the various ACE pilots, companies and/or individuals are required to submit basic information to CBP such as: their name, their employer identification number (EIN) or social security number, standard carrier alpha code (SCAC), and if applicable, a statement certifying their capability to connect to the internet. The application for the ACE Secure Data Portal is accessible here.

CBP Estimates 21,000 Respondents at 20 Minutes per Response

CBP estimates there will be 21,000 respondents. The time per response is estimated to be 20 minutes. CBP estimates the total annual burden hours will be 6,930.

Comments Requested on Ways to Minimize Burden, Etc.

CBP is asking for comments from the general public and other Federal agencies on (a) whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency’s estimates of the burden of the collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; (d) ways to minimize the burden, including the use of automated collection techniques or the use of other forms of information technology; and (e) the annual costs burden to respondents or record keepers from the collection of information (a total capital/startup costs and operations and maintenance costs).

CBP Contact -- Tracey Denning (202) 325-0265

(FR Pub 03/12/12)