ACE e-Manifest: Truck to Become Mandatory in 2007 on Port-by-Port Basis For Advance Cargo Information Purposes
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has issued a press release announcing, among other things, that it will begin implementation of a mandatory Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) electronic manifest (e-Manifest) policy on a port-by-port basis beginning in 2007 for advance cargo information purposes.
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90 Day Notice Prior to Implementation for Each Land Border Port
CBP notes that notices announcing mandatory e-Manifest implementation dates for each land border port will be published in the Federal Register at least 90 days in advance of implementation. This information will also be posted on the CBP Web site.
Truck Carriers Can File on Own, or Hire Someone To Do So
According to the press release, truck carriers may file their own e-Manifests or hire someone to file for them. Filers can transmit an e-Manifest online using the ACE Secure Data Portal at no charge. An electronic data interchange or EDI, a common e-commerce tool, may also be used. 1
(CBP has previously stated that advance electronic cargo information for inbound truck cargo must be received at least one hour prior to the carrier's reaching the first port of arrival in the U.S., or no later than 30 minutes prior to the carrier's reaching the first port of arrival in the U.S. for shipments qualified for clearance under the Free and Secure Trade (FAST) program (with exceptions for cargo in transit from point to point in the U.S. and certain informal entries). See ITT's Online Archives or 08/18/04 news, 04081805 for BP summary.)
ACE e-Manifest: Truck Participants Still Need to Make Entry
CBP sources also emphasize that, even if ACE participants have filed the e-Manifest: Truck, they still need to make entry (unless excepted).
1 CBP notes that, if using EDI, companies may opt to build their own EDI software, which must be tested for CBP system compatibility, or may purchase or lease software from EDI software vendors.
CBP further notes that carriers, importers and brokers interested in using the ACE Secure Data Portal must establish an ACE account and have access to the Internet. For information on how to establish an ACE account, e-mail CBP at acenow@dhs.gov.
(See ITT's Online Archives or 09/29/06 news, 06092940 1, and 09/06/06 news, 06090605, for BP's summary on upcoming ACE "On the Road" events, ACE e-Manifest "Outreach" events, and the ACE Exchange II Conference, which provide carriers with more information on ACE e-Manifests.)
CBP's ACE Web site available at http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/toolbox/about/modernization/
CBP Press Release (dated 10/10/06) available at http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/news_releases/10102006.xml