Update on Questions & Answers from CBP's October/November ACE Exchange II Conference (Part IV)

This is Part IV of a multi-part series of summaries on this Q&A document, and highlights questions and answers presented during the broker breakout session on periodic monthly statement (PMS) and non-portal accounts. See future issues of ITT for additional summaries.

If an importer is already using PMS with another broker, what does a broker have to do to start flagging entries for an importer?

CBP states that the broker does not need to do anything if the importer is already approved for PMS. CBP adds that the file is marked, so the broker can begin flagging entries for inclusion on a PMS for the importer.

Is there any way to find out if an importer is already approved for PMS?

According to CBP, the broker should call its client representative and ask them to check or ask the importer if they have been approved for PMS. CBP states that it does not have a bond query established to let brokers check to see if importers have been approved for PMS.

If an importer is using more than one broker, can any of those brokers go into ACE and see all those transactions?

No. CBP states that brokers can only see the information that they filed, unless the importer gives the broker access to their account (which is highly unlikely). CBP notes that the importer can see all the information. According to CBP, if an importer sets the broker up on as their national liquidation broker, then the broker can go in and query an entry. However, there are legal processes involved with that.

When did the national statement option become available?

CBP responds that brokers have always had the option of selecting either a national or a port statement. CBP adds that the importer can only have a port statement.

How does the broker indicate that it wants a national statement instead of a port one?

According to CBP, when the broker is on the Statements Tab, it should select the filer code in the account list. Then, the broker should scroll down below the account list and it should see the Statement Designation portlet. The broker should then click the edit button to change from a port to a national statement. CBP adds that the broker can also contact its CBP Account Manager for assistance.

Is ACE going to fix the problem with the release date moving backwards?

CBP states that the date of arrival can change and the importer doesn't know it until ABI sends a release date update. Then, the only thing to do is to take the entry off the statement and pay it with a check, although the payment is probably going to be late. CBP adds that the broker may want to discuss this with the port.

When a filer first transmits the entry, it transmits the payment month. If it doesn't clear, can the filer change the payment month? Can filers push it back?

Yes. CBP states that the filer can reschedule the entry for another statement by removing it from the statement it is currently on and postponing it to a subsequent statement. Conducting a mini transmission (HP function) will address this. CBP notes that if the filer changes the payment month for a release in January from February to March that entry will now be paid late.

What does a payment type 8 look like? Is it just for the broker?

CBP responds that the payment type 8 is actually for an importer. CBP explains that the payment type 8 is for an importer's combined statement where payments are batched by importer of record number for an importer with several subdivisions.

Is payment based on the release date for a quota entry?

According to CBP, the date of presentation is what is used for quota.

CBP warns that of all the problems it has with PMS clients, quota entries and remote location filing (RLF) entries are the big problems. Both types of entries must be paid with Automated Clearinghouse (ACH), and the entries are not supposed to be deleted from the statement (which is what needs to be done if the wrong payment month was transmitted). For quota entries, CBP warns filers to be very careful. When a filer is starting PMS, it should be sure to understand the system before putting quota entries on a periodic statement.

(See ITT's Online Archives or 12/08/06 news, 06120805, for BP summary announcing the availability of the Q&A document.

See ITT's Online Archives or 12/19/06, 12/21/06, and 12/22/06 news, 06121910, 06122115, and 06122215, respectively, for Parts I-III of BP's summary of this Q&A document.)

CBP Q&A available at CBP Q&A available at http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/toolbox/about/modernization/ace/reports_briefings_events/ace_ex_conf/ace_exchange/ace2_qa.ctt/ace2_qa.doc