CBP Seeks Comments on ACE Cargo Release, Entry/Immediate Delivery Applications

CBP is requesting comments by March 27 for an existing information collection on Entry and Immediate delivery applications and Automated Commercial Environment Cargo Release. CBP proposes (here) to extend the expiration date of this information collection with a change in the burden hours resulting from the transition from Form 3461 to ACE Cargo Release.

CBP Forms 3461 and 3461 ALT, ACE Cargo Release

CBP Forms 3461, Entry/Immediate Delivery, and 3461 ALT are the source documents in the packages presented to CBP related to the release of imported goods. The documents allow CBP officers to verify that the information regarding the consignee and shipment is correct and that a bond is on file with CBP. CBP also uses these forms to close out the manifest and to establish the obligation to pay estimated duties in the time period prescribed by law or regulation. CBP Form 3461 is also a delivery authorization document and is given to the importing carrier to authorize the release of the merchandise. ACE Cargo Release is a program for ACE entry summary filers in which importers or brokers may file Simplified Entry data in lieu of filing the CBP Form 3461.

CBP Estimates

CBP estimated 4.2 million total annual responses for Form 3461, with each response estimated to take 15 minutes and an estimated total annual burden hours of 1 million burden hours.

CBP estimated 9.4 million total annual responses for Form 3461 ALT, with each response estimated to take 3 minutes and an estimated total annual burden hours of 472,203.

CBP estimated 4.3 million total annual responses for ACE Cargo Release, with each response estimated to take 10 minutes and an estimated total annual burden hours of 705,691.

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 of capital/startup costs and operations and maintenance costs).

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

(Federal Register 1/26/15)