CBP to Require Filing in ACE for Drawback, Duty Deferral and Reconciliation on Jan. 14

CBP will require filing in ACE beginning on Jan. 14 for drawback and duty deferral entries (here) and reconciliation entries (here), it said. As of that date, filing in the Automated Commercial System for drawback, duty deferral and reconciliation will no longer be available, it said. CBP had previously mentioned the drawback deadline, and said it is targeting mid-January for other post-release functions including reconciliation, liquidation, duty deferral, collections and statements (see 1612010041).

As expected, CBP is making several changes to reconciliation that take effect with the move to ACE on Jan. 14. Filers will now be able to transmit fully electronically, without having to provide a spreadsheet, though blanket flagging will be eliminated (see 1604220031). Streamlined data requirements will apply when there are no changes to flagged entries (see 1608190031). Filers will also automatically be able to file at all ports if they have a bond on file with a reconciliation bond rider, without having to submit an application (see 1608120034), unless their ability to file reconciliation has been suspended.

If suspended, importers will not be able to file unless they apply for reinstatement and reinstatement is granted, CBP said. Suspended importers will still be required to file reconciliation entries on time for entries flagged prior to their suspension, it said. Applications for reinstatement must be submitted to the importer’s assigned Center of Excellence and Expertise or at the local port, and “must address the reasons for the suspension and fully describe all corrective action taken to address the grounds for suspension,” the agency said.

CBP’s notice also details a new process for asking CBP to retroactively flag entries for reconciliation on their behalf. Beginning Jan. 14, importers may request retroactive flagging by sending an email at least 60 days before an entry’s scheduled liquidation date to OFO-RECONFOLDER@cbp.dhs.gov. “CBP’s decision to grant or deny such a request is entirely discretionary and solely within CBP’s province,” it said. The decision, which will be sent to the importer by email, cannot be appealed. “It should be noted that CBP intends to grant these requests sparingly and only as a courtesy where appropriate,” CBP said.