CBP Bumps Up Export Enhancements in ACE

U.S. Customs and Border Protection has updated its schedule for deploying additional functionality to the Automated Commercial Environment. ACE functionality, including data reports, can help importers and others boost compliance and duty savings efforts. 

ACE Portal. CBP deployed Sept. 12 a change adding SMS as a two-factor authentication method for ACE portal login and planned to add SMS/email verification for ACH authorization changes on Oct. 10.

Business Identifiers. Still on hold is functionality that (1) expands the global business identifier proof of concept enrollment process by enabling trade users to submit one, two, or all three of the global identifiers for any party type, (2) adds an additional free text field allowing filers to input additional descriptions about the party/GBI number provided, and (3) includes a new GBI identifier qualifier and expands the GBI identifier field from 20 to 35 characters.

Collections. CBP pushed back from Sept. 26 to Oct. 10 the addition of ACH debit through pay.gov as another option for vessel agents to complete maritime fee payments.

Exports. CBP has newly scheduled for Oct. 23 (1) the addition of the standardized message formats of X12 and EDIFACT (currently used to submit import truck manifest information) as options for electronic export truck manifest submissions and (2) an enhancement enabling truck carriers to use the new EEM portal to submit truck export bills of lading prior to departing the U.S. and to manage driver, conveyance, and shipment information.

Mail shipments. CBP created Sept. 22 a new entry type 13 for U.S. mail shipments.

Manifests. CBP has postponed indefinitely an enhancement modernizing ACE rail manifest electronic data interchange services but still plans to implement Oct. 24 similar enhancements for ocean manifest EDI services.

Sanctions. Implementing the collection of new data elements to enable targeting of merchandise subject to sanctions on Russian diamonds and seafood remains on hold.