CBP Extends Comment Period on Info Collections for ACE Cargo Release

CBP is extending the comment period to Aug. 23 on an existing information collection related to the entry/immediate delivery applications and ACE cargo release, it said in a notice.

CBP Forms 3461 and 3461 ALT

All items imported into the United States are subject to examination before entering the commerce of the United States. There are two procedures available to effect the release of imported merchandise, including "entry" pursuant to 19 U.S.C. 1484, and "immediate delivery" pursuant to 19 U.S.C. 1448(b). Under both procedures, CBP Forms 3461, Entry/Immediate Delivery, and 3461 ALT are the source documents in the packages presented to Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The information collected on CBP Forms 3461 and 3461 ALT 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. CBP Forms 3461 and 3461 ALT are provided for by 19 CFR 141 and 142.

ACE Cargo Release

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. This data consists of 12 required elements: importer of record; buyer name and address; buyer employer identification number (consignee number), seller name and address; manufacturer/supplier name and address; Harmonized Tariff Schedule 10-digit number; country of origin; bill of lading; house air waybill number; bill of lading issuer code; entry number; entry type; and estimated shipment value. Three optional data elements are the container stuffing location; consolidator name and address; and ship to party name and address. The data collected under the ACE Cargo Release program is intended to reduce transaction costs, expedite cargo release and enhance cargo security. ACE Cargo Release filing minimizes the redundancy of data submitted by the filer to CBP through receiving carrier data from the carrier. This design allows the participants to file earlier in the transportation flow.

CBP Burden Estimates

For Form 3461, CBP estimated 12,307 total annual responses, estimated to create about 3,077 total annual burden hours. For ACE cargo release, CBP estimated 29,371,140 total annual responses, estimated to create about 4,875,609 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; and (d) ways to minimize the burden, including the use of automated collection techniques or the use of other forms of information technology.

(Federal Register 07/24/18)