CBP Posts Fact Sheet on ACE Deployed Capabilities

October 11, 2012 by Brian Feito|Customs

CBP posted a fact sheet on deployed Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) capabilities as of October 2012. The following capabilities have been delivered in ACE in support of CBP, Participating Government Agencies (PGAs), and the trade community:

ACE Secure Data Portal. The ACE Portal is an interactive, on-line tool that provides a single, user-friendly gateway to CBP information via the Internet. CBP invites trade entities to create their free ACE Portal Account to take advantage of such features as the ability to:

Run and download over 125 customizable reports covering manifest, cargo, entry summary, finance and compliance data;
Participate in Periodic Monthly Statement, which allows all eligible shipments released during the month to be paid on the 15th working day of the following month; and
Respond to CBP Forms 28, 29 and 4647 for entry summaries filed in both ACE and the Automated Commercial System.

The ACE Portal also provides links to reference materials for the CBP, PGA and trade users, including the ability to search for AD/CVD cases and messages, and to link from the ACE Portal to the Importer Security Filing Portal (ISF) to obtain ISF reports.

ITDS Initiatives. CBP has delivered two key International Trade Data Systems initiatives which will advance its single window for trade vision:

Interoperability Web Services enables CBP to electronically share data and documents with PGAs to enhance cross-agency data sharing and collaboration.
The Document Image System allows trade members to electronically supply documentation to CBP and other Federal agencies.

Cargo Release. Simplified Entry (SE) is the first phase of cargo release in ACE. ACE Cargo Release/Simplified Entry streamlines the release of goods and enhances cargo security. It segregates the filing of the transportation information from the filing of the entry information. The simplified entry can be filed much earlier in the import process, allowing an expanded window of opportunity to identify potential risks. It also allows filers to update entry information until the point that the conveyance arrives, providing CBP with more accurate information. Simplified Entry is being piloted in the air mode of transportation, and CBP will continue to build upon Simplified Entry to achieve full Cargo Release Capability.

Entry Summary Filing. ACE participants can file entry summaries in ACE for Consumption, Informal and Antidumping/Countervailing Duty (AD/CVD) entries (entry types 01, 03, and 11.) Post Summary Corrections (PSC) allow trade participants to submit a correction electronically for an existing type 01 and 03 ACE entry summary. The PSC replaces the existing Post Entry Amendment hardcopy process for ACE entry summaries.

e-Manifest: Truck, Rail and Sea. Primary processing time for the electronic submission of e-Manifests by truck carriers is about 30 percent faster nationwide than paper manifests. Truck carriers can submit their e-manifest through the ACE portal and store conveyance, crew, equipment, shipper, and consignee information in an account, thus reducing the amount of information submitted with each crossing.

ACE e-Manifest: Rail and Sea provides a consolidated view of rail and sea shipment manifest and entry data at the bill of lading or container level to facilitate the identification of shipments that may pose a risk and expedite the prearrival processing of legitimate cargo. A popular feature for rail and sea carriers is the ability to identify who can obligate their custodial bond through the ACE Portal. As of September 29, 2012 ACE is the only approved EDI for transmitting required advance rail and sea cargo information and ABI in-bond transactions to CBP.