CBP Seeks Comments on ACE Info Collection

February 18, 2015 |Customs

CBP is requesting comments by March 20 on an existing information collection for applications to use the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE). CBP proposes (here) to extend the expiration date of this information collection with a change to the burden hours.

ACE Application

ACE is used for imported merchandise by brokers, carriers, sureties, service providers, facility operators, foreign trade zone operators, cart men and lighter men. In order to establish an ACE Portal account, participants submit information such as their name, their employer identification number (EIN) or social security number, and if applicable, a statement certifying their capability to connect to the internet.

CBP is also proposing to add export functionality to the system which will allow participation from the exporter community, it said. Trade members wishing to establish an exporter account will need to provide a number of new data elements.

CBP Estimates

CBP estimated 21,000 total annual applications to use ACE's import functions, estimated to create 6,930 total annual burden hours.

CBP estimated 9,000 total annual applications to use ACE's export functions, estimated to create 594 total annual burden hours.

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 02/18/15)