ACE Automated Commercial Environment

ACE Cargo Release Test Expanded to AD Entries, Split and Partial Shipments by Truck

Friday, March 27, 2015

Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg Trade Report

U.S. Customs and Border Protection has expanded the types of entries that importers and customs brokers can file as part of the ongoing test of cargo release functionality in the Automated Commercial Environment.
The ACE cargo release test currently allows ACE-participating brokers and importers to file for release of formal consumption (type 01) entries and informal (type 11) entries of cargo transported by air, ocean, rail or truck.  For cargo transported by truck, however, CBP has excluded from the test split shipments, partial shipments, entry on cargo that has been moved in-bond from the first U.S. port of unlading, and entries requiring participating government agency information.
As of March 1, CBP is now allowing ACE-participating brokers and importers to file simplified entries for release of cargo subject to an antidumping or countervailing duty proceeding (type 03 entries) in the air, ocean, rail and truck modes of transportation. In addition, for cargo transported by truck, filing capabilities have been expanded to allow for split shipments, partial shipments and entry on cargo that has been moved in-bond from the first U.S. port of unlading.
In lieu of filing CBP Form 3461 data, importers or brokers acting on behalf of an importer that are participating in the ACE cargo release test must file the following 12 data elements with CBP.
- importer of record number
- buyer name and address
- buyer employer identification number (consignee number)
- seller name and address
- manufacturer/supplier name and address
- HTS 10-digit number
- country of origin
- bill of lading/house air waybill number
- bill of lading issuer code
- entry number
- entry type
- estimated shipment value
For cargo transported by ocean or rail, the filer has the option to also provide the ship-to party name and address, the consolidator name and address, and the container stuffing location. In addition, to enable enhanced ACE cargo release functionality, the filer may provide the following data elements (if applicable) for cargo transported by air, ocean, rail or truck: port of entry (if an in-bond number is provided in the entry submission, the planned port of entry must also be provided), in-bond number (if an in-bond shipment), and bill quantity (if bill of lading quantity is specified in the entry, it becomes the entered and released quantity for that bill; otherwise, the full bill quantity will be entered and released for that bill).
These data elements may be filed at any time prior to the arrival of the cargo in the U.S. port of arrival with the intent to unlade. According to CBP, this data fulfills merchandise entry requirements and allows for earlier release decisions and more certainty for the importer in determining the logistics of cargo delivery.