ACE Transition to be Challenge for Government, Industry, Says Kerlikowske

The coming transition to the Automated Commercial Environment may prove difficult for all involved, CBP Commissioner Gil Kerlikowske said in a letter of appreciation to the trade industry released by the agency (here). CBP is making "important progress" as the first of three ACE-related deadlines approaches, he said in the Jan. 29 letter (here). As of May 1, CBP will require ACE for all electronic manifest filing. "We recognize ACE is driving changes to business practices and requires major investment on your part," he said in the letter. "The next year will be challenging for industry and government, as we fully transition to ACE." Kerlikowske encouraged companies not yet using ACE to make the transition "immediately" in order to be prepared for required use of ACE. The agency will require ACE for all electronic cargo released and entry summary filing beginning Nov. 1. Agency officials recently discussed some of the operational challenges related to the transition (see 1502100055).