CBP Seeks Input on ACE Cargo Release Process Draft

CBP posted a draft version of long-awaited Automated Commercial Environment cargo release business processes on May 15 (here). The draft is a "living document" and CBP will consider submitted comments for the next draft, said the agency (here). The processes document is expected to function as the "cornerstone" for both the trade and port personnel, an agency official recently said (see 1504270018).

The draft is "intended to provide an overview of processes, procedures and policy associated with the filing and release of entries using ACE," including partner government agency import requirements, said CBP. The document was drafted in a collaboration between "CBP users, Participating Government Agencies (PGAs) and a broad spectrum of trade users," such as filers, importers, bonded warehouse operators, and terminal operators, CBP said. It's designed to assist trade users in the transition to ACE, required for all cargo release and summary data as of Nov. 1. The National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America and others have criticized CBP for taking too long to publish the information (see 1504030026).

The processes document is divided into CBP-only processes and PGA processes, which are further "divided into chapters with general system processing information for PGAs followed by specific chapters for each PGA with information on their participation and expectations form by form (or process)," CBP said in the draft. Since development for some PGAs and CBP processes is still ongoing, information will be added as identified," the agency said. "Processing pilots for PGAs, expected in July 2015 will also generate new and modified procedures. As our understandings of these processes and our procedures evolve, so will this document. This document will also be updated based on information and questions provided by end users."

The document "captures current processing, transition and 'to-be' processing identifying the end-state vision for ACE," said the agency. CBP also asked for comments on the draft and posted a comment form (here). Comments should be sent to SINGLE-WINDOW-INITIATIVE@cbp.dhs.gov by May 27 to be considered for the next document release, said CBP. Comments after May 27 will be included in the "follow on version of the document," the agency said.