CBP Lists Future Trade Benefits of ACE Cargo Release

(See ITT's Online Archives 11101440 for summary of CBP stating that it and the NCBFAA are encouraging traders to begin moving their import processes to ACE¹.)

CBP Says Cargo Release Critical to Gaining Business Participation in ACE

CBP states modernization of Cargo Release through ACE is a critical priority and a linchpin in gaining the business community’s participation in ACE. Full and integrated import processing through ACE is expected to significantly enhance business and government efficiencies, thereby promoting economic competitiveness for the international trade community. In addition, significant cost savings will result to CBP due to the decommissioning of a substantial component of the legacy system, the Automated Commercial System (ACS).

7 Key Process Improvements Expected from ACE Cargo Release

CBP says that seven key process improvements are envisioned for the end-state of ACE Cargo Release (see CBP's inventory of key process improvements for additional details of each improvement):

Single Window for Importers. Implementation of the Single Window through ACE Cargo Release will enable:

• Electronic collection and sharing of a harmonized set of shipment data collected from international traders and used by CBP and PGAs;
• Enhanced safety, security and compliance targeting of imported cargo by providing visibility to additional data and automating communications between government agencies;
• Increased ability to track and/or hold suspect imports shipments;
• Decreased paper processing for international traders and over 40 federal agencies;
• Greater visibility for international traders on the status of their shipment and which agency is conducting a review; and
• A single, coordinated government "release" of shipments to international traders.

(CBP states that ACE is the backbone for the International Trade Development System’s (ITDS) "single window" through which the international trade community will electronically transmit import data needed by CBP and Participating Government Agencies (PGAs) to assess the safety, security and compliance of cargo, track and hold suspect cargo, and approve the release of legitimate cargo into the U.S.)

Paperless Updates & Views of Import Data. The current labor intensive and paper based process imposed on CBP and international traders when updating import transaction data will be automated. ACE Cargo Release will enable the international trade community to electronically submit corrections, deletions and cancellations of their import data and allow CBP to easily view and act on the changes.

"Template Entries" for Trusted Traders. CBP will implement a new streamlined process for Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) members across all modes of transportation. Templates will be stored in ACE and used to simplify and automate the creation of entries for repeat transactions. ACE will create and process an entry for these C-TPAT members -- without the need for the filer to transmit that entry -- upon receipt of a template ID from the carrier transmitting the bill of lading.

Paperless STBs & Sufficiency Checks. Imported merchandise is generally secured by a Customs bond, another paper process. ACE Cargo Release will allow the electronic filing of Single Transaction Bonds and automatically assess bond sufficiency before allowing merchandise to enter.

Automated PGA Redelivery Process. In cases where imported cargo does not meet standards set by U.S. laws and regulations, the government may demand “redelivery” of the goods back into CBP's custody for further action. ACE Cargo Release will automate the PGA redelivery process and improve visibility to the cargo whereabouts until concerns are resolved.

Faster Release for Legit Goods. CBP Officers will be able to make quicker and better informed decisions on the disposition of cargo imports by expanding Officer visibility to relevant information through the full shipment lifecycle and modernizing current processes. In addition, by providing more granular views of data, individual shipments can be partitioned to allow legitimate merchandise to flow into the U.S., while cargo of concern remains in CBP custody.

Automated Goods Transfer During Emergencies. ACE Cargo Release will enable CBP to continue to process trade by automating the efficient and streamlined transfer of cargo processing to an open port during emergency port events/closures.

CBP Anticipates Contract Award for Release Design & Acquisition in FY 2012

In its October 2011 ACE status update, CBP stated that, assuming adequate funding is available, the design and acquisition phase for Cargo Release will begin with an anticipated contract award in early Fiscal Year 2012.

¹With respect to ACE entry summaries, CBP sources have noted that about 46 entities are filing entry summaries in ACE to date, and that ACE entry summaries represent less than 1% of all summaries filed.

(See ITT's Online Archives 11101753 for summary of CBP's program manager for ACE Cargo Control and Release stating that the agency's goal is to deploy a subset of its functionality within the next 18 months, with the trade providing comments and feedback on the functional requirements for ACE cargo release.

See ITT's Online Archives 11101723 for summary of CBP's October 2011 ACE status update.)

Summary of ACE Cargo Release benefits (dated 07/25/11) is available here.

CBP inventory of key process improvements (dated 07/25/11) is available here.

CBP's October 2011 ACE status update is available here.