International Trade Today is a Warren News publication.

CBP Announces ACE Simplified Entry Test (1st Phase for Air Mode)

U.S. Customs and Border Protection has issued a notice announcing its plan to conduct a National Customs Automation Program (NCAP) test concerning Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) simplified entry capability. The initial phase of the test will be open to entries filed in the air transportation mode only. Parties interested in participating in the test should contact CBP by November 17, 2011.

Sign up for a free preview to unlock the rest of this article

If your job depends on informed compliance, you need International Trade Today. Delivered every business day and available any time online, only International Trade Today helps you stay current on the increasingly complex international trade regulatory environment.

Will Allow Participants to Submit 12 Required, 3 Optional Data Elements Prior to Arrival

This new capability will include functionality specific to the filing of entry data for formal and informal consumption entries. This functionality will simplify the entry process by allowing participants to submit 12 required and 3 optional data elements to CBP at any time prior to the arrival of the merchandise on the conveyance transporting the cargo to the U.S. This data will fulfill merchandise entry requirements and will allow for earlier release decisions and more certainty for the importer in determining the logistics of cargo delivery.

This initial phase of the test will be open to entries filed in the air transportation mode only.

Initial Test Phase Will Begin About December 31 and Run for About Two Years

The initial phase of the test will begin on or about December 31, 2011 and will run for approximately two years. CBP will begin an evaluation of the initial phase of the test after the test has been ongoing for approximately 90 days for purposes of possible extension or expansion.

CBP Invites Parties to Participate, Seeks Public Comment

CBP invites parties to participate in the test. Communication to CBP indicating interest in participation in this planned test is requested by November 16, 2011. CBP also seeks public comment concerning any aspect of the planned test. Comments may be submitted at any time throughout the test.

*This notice has been corrected to state that parties interested in participating in the test must submit an email to CBP by November 17, 2011, instead of November 16, 2011. See CSMS Message #11-000281 (available here) for CBP notice providing this clarification.

Comments concerning this notice and indication of interest in participation in Simplified Entry should be submitted via e-mail to susan.maskell@dhs.gov

(FR Pub 11/09/11)