CBP Issues "ACE Trade Account Owner" March 2008 Update
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has issued the March 2008 Automated Commercial Environment Trade Account Owner (TAO) monthly update as an attachment to an ACE Portal Accounts CSMS message.
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The following are highlights of the ACE TAO update:
ADE Functionality to be Available by Early April
According to CBP, the functionality of the Authorized Data Extract (ADE) will be available by early April. The ADE, formerly known as Bulk Data Download, was deployed in February 2008 to a limited number of users to undergo a scrutinizing testing phase to ensure ease of use and data accuracy. CBP states that the results from the tests have been positive.
CBP states that it will be providing telephone training on the use of ADE for anyone who is interested; however, only the TAO and/or the Proxy TAOs will be able to schedule an extract. The training will consist of two 30 minute classes. To be added to the training list, send an email to ACEaccountsupport@cbp.dhs.gov.
CBP is Creating an ACE Portal Reports Dictionary
CBP states that ACE contains over 360 CBP and trade generated reports, each of which provides information about trade activities in the U.S. To minimize possible confusion about these reports, CBP is creating an ACE Portal Reports Dictionary to define each report and their respective attributes. The reports dictionary will provide ACE users with the information they need to select the right report and best utilize the information contained in each report.
Version one of the ACE Portal Reports Dictionary will contain a detailed description of the most frequently accessed reports. It will also provide the exact location of each report on the ACE portal, the categorical classification of each report, the standard report filters/prompts, and a description of each object contained in the report. In spring 2008, users will be able to go to www.cbp.gov and download version one of the dictionary as a PDF file directly to their desktops for ease of reference.
(An ACE Portal Reports Dictionary sample packet from the February 5-7, 2008 meeting of the Trade Support Network (TSN) held in Dallas, Texas has been posted to CBP's Web site. See ITT's Online Archives or 02/25/08 news, 08022510, for BP summary.)
No Bandwidth Requirements for ACE
There are no bandwidth or internet speed requirements for ACE. ACE is not an application for the trade community - it is a web site. The speed of a user's internet connection will determine how quickly a web page will load, not the performance of ACE.
Instructions on Viewing Unauthorized Filers
CBP provides instructions on how to view unauthorized filers.
Coast Guard Joins ITDS
The U.S. Coast Guard, the last government agency required by the Security and Accountability for Every (SAFE) Port Act to join the International Trade Data System (ITDS) initiative, announced it will become the 41st federal agency to participate.
Beginning in April, Monthly Update Will No Longer be Sent via Email
According to CBP, beginning in April 2008, the TAO monthly email updates will no longer be sent to all ACE TAOs; those who want to continue to receive the monthly updates must subscribe to the "ACE Portal Accounts" group within CSMS.
Local ACE Help Desk Number Disconnected
The local "703" ACE Help Desk phone number will be disconnected in April 2008. The ACE Help Desk can be reached at 1-800-927-8729 - Options 4, 2, and 1 (CBP Users) or 2 (Trade Users) or 3 (PGA Users).
(See ITT's Online Archives or 03/31/08 news, 08033145, for previous BP summary on this update.)
TAO March 2008 update available at http://apps.cbp.gov/csms/docs/17048_984418025/March_TAO_V4.pdf
CSMS 08-000042 (dated 03/27/08) available at http://apps.cbp.gov/csms/viewmssg.asp?Recid=17048&page=&srch_argv=&srchtype=&btype=&sortby=&sby