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TSN Committee Launches 5 Task Groups To Work on ACE Business Cases

U.S. Customs and Border Protection has posted the March 2010 Trade Support Network monthly activity report, which summarizes the activity of all of the TSN Committees and Subcommittees for that month.

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(TSN is a group of trade representatives who provide input into the design and development of modernization projects, such as ACE. CBP has been meeting with the TSN since May 2001 regarding the development of ACE. TSN consists of members of the trade community, including trade associations, importers, brokers, carriers, sureties, and others.)

The following are highlights of the report:

Draft CATAIR Messages for Post Summary Corrections, Entry Query Reviewed,

The TSN Transition Committee reviewed the Draft CATAIR messages for A2.3.2.a, which include Post Summary Corrections and the Entry Summary Query. The Committee submitted a number of comments and suggestions that are currently being reviewed by CBP.

(See ITT’s Online Archives or 04/23/10 news, (Ref: 10042305), for BP summary stating that Post Summary Correction functionality is expected to “go live” in late summer or early fall 2010.)

Multi-Modal Manifest Committee Launched 5 Task Groups

In March, the Multi-Modal Manifest Committee launched five Task Groups, each focused on developing an ACE business case with which the TSN might move forward. The Task Groups are as follows:

In-Bond Task Group. This group is working to provide expertise to CBP. Unlike the other Task Groups, the In-Bond Task Group is working on an issue that is already deemed for delivery -- so it is focusing on identifying issues and assisting on implementation.

ITDS PGA Messaging Task Group. This group will work along with the TSN International Trade Data System (ITDS) Committee and is focused primarily with ITDS messaging as it affects parties to the manifest (i.e. ocean, rail, and truck carriers, NVOs, marine terminal operators).

Manifest Diversion Task Group. This group is working to develop a business case to justify the expenditure of funds to program the ability to change the "destination" of a conveyance's bill of lading. Right now, every bill of lading has to be reprogrammed. In the future the Task Group hopes CBP can shoulder at least a portion of the functionality. (The MMM Committee notes that this is of significant concern to the air carriers.)

Export Manifest Task Group. This group wants to see the export manifest automated - sooner rather than later. They are going to coordinate work with the TSN Export Committee and believe that export manifest automation merits advancement on the ACE “things-to-do” list and are developing a business case to support that assertion.

House BL Release Task Group. This group made its initial recommendation at the November 5, 2009 TSN Leadership meeting. The Committee Chair has asked the task group to clarify their summary and their cost/benefit analysis.

March 2010 TSN Monthly Committee Activity Report available at http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/trade/automated/modernization/trade_support_network/tsn_monthly/tsn_march10.ctt/tsn_march10.pdf)