CBP Says Simplified Entry Pilot a Success

U.S. Customs and Border Protection said the simplified entry (SE) pilot, begun on May 29, was successful. The successful pilot marks the delivery of the first phase of Cargo Release, known as Simplified Entry, in the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE), said CBP.

CBP has received the first Simplified Entry filings at each of the three pilot ports of Indianapolis, Chicago and Atlanta. To date, six of the nine pilot participants selected in December 2011 have begun filing Simplified Entries. The six initial pilot filers are: Expeditors, FedEx Trade Networks, Janel Group of New York, Kuehne & Nagel, Inc, Page & Jones, Inc and UPS. The additional pilot filers, A.N. Deringer, Inc., FH Kaysing, and Livingston International will begin filing Simplified Entries as capabilities allow. Two major supporters from the importer community are Nike and GE Energy, said CBP. Three software developers have been active in providing software to the pilot participants: Descartes, Four Soft and Kewill.

Simplified Entry streamlines the release of goods and enhances cargo security, said CBP. SE segregates the filing of the transportation information from the filing of the entry information, allowing for earlier filing of entry information which will in turn allow CBP personnel to apply more time and resources as part of its risk-segmented approach in identifying high-risk shipments while potentially reducing transaction costs for the trade community. Filers can update the entry information until the point that the conveyance arrives. The capability for filers to update information will result in more accurate data for CBP and Participating Government Agencies

(See ITT’s Online Archives 11111801 for summary of the SE pilot.)