CBP Announces ACS/AES Data Communication Changes (New Trade VPN Solution)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has posted to its Web site an announcement and other information stating that it has implemented a new infrastructure that will replace the existing 800 dial-up services that currently support the trade's interface to the Automated Commercial System (ACS) and Automated Export System (AES).
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As a result of this upgrade, CBP states it will replace the existing IBM SNA (LU6.2/RJE) architecture with a new technology known as the Trade Virtual Private Network (VPN) Solution.
(CBP defines a VPN as a secure site-to-site or system interconnection via a logical "tunnel" over a public networking infrastructure. Protocols define how the data will be encrypted and authenticated. Simply put, data is encrypted at the originator computer, passed over a secure logical tunnel, and then decrypted at the receiving computer.)
The lowest end solution for the CBP Trade VPN incurs no cost for the personal computer utilizing Windows 2000/XP on broadband internet or direct dial access. The client software is provisioned by CBP. Those with non-windows based platforms and mid-sized systems must purchase a network hardware component and/or a network hardware upgrade. The lowest end solution hardware component is $700-$1000.
VPN Solution is Available for Participation by Vendors and Self-Programmers
According to CBP, the Trade VPN infrastructure is in place and is available for participation by vendors and self-programmers.
New Requests for RJE and LU6.2 Allowed During 120 Grace Period
CBP states that during a grace period that ends approximately November 30, 2005, new requests for RJE and LU6.2 will be granted; however, these new RJE/LU6.2 connections will ultimately be subject to conversion at a later date.
Effective approximately December 1, 2005, CBP states that no new requests for RJE and LU6.2 will be granted.
Conversion of RJE and LU6.2 to Trade VPN Solution Begins in 120 Days
According to CBP, it will begin the effort to convert all existing RJE and LU6.2 connections to the VPN Solution on approximately December 1, 2005, and is targeted to conclude this conversion process approximately 14 months later.
VPN Enrollment Form Available
CBP has also made available a VPN Enrollment form, which can be completed and submitted to the applicant's assigned client representative, as well as support documentation to assist in the selection of the VPN solution that is most appropriate.
CBP Lists Five Current and Planned Methods for Communicating with CBP
According to CBP, the current and planned methods for communicating with CBP are:
- VANS (value-added networks)
- Service Centers
- Sprint Frame Relay/MQSeries Solution (recommended for higher volumes)
- VPN (recommended for lower volumes)
- Internet (Trade Cisco VPN/MQ Series Solution via a client provisioned Internet Service Provider (ISP) connection (currently in extended pilot for new clients and ACE, Release 4 participants))
- Toll free direct dial where an ISP is not accessible (planned as a pilot)
CBP's main webpage for Trade VPN Solution (listing seven documents indicating an August 9, 2005 posting*), available at http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/import/operations_support/automated_systems/data_comm_changes/
(* The seven documents posted with a 08/09/05 date are titled and dated:
- Executive announcement to trade (Memo for all dial-up trading partners (vendors)) (undated)
- VPN enrollment form (undated)
- CBP Secure Trade Virtual Private Network Fact Sheet (dated 08/09/05)
- FAQ for Secure Trade Virtual Private Network (dated 08/09/05)
- CBP Trade VPN Connectivity Recommendations (dated April 2005)
- CBP Trade VPN - Deciding Which VPN Solution is Best for Your Company (revision date 03/31/05)
- MQSeries/Frame Relay Enterprise Solution (dated April 15, 2005 on cover, dated April 12, 2002 elsewhere))
BP Note
BP is checking on certain details regarding CBP's announcement and postings, and will update readers with additional information when available.