CBP Announces Delays of ACE e-Manifest: Ocean and Rail Capabilities; ACE Entry Summary Capabilities
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has issued a CSMS message announcing that the deployment of ACE (Automated Commercial Environment) release M1 (e-Manifest: Ocean and Rail for advance cargo information purposes) capabilities is no longer targeted for fall 2008, but a date that is approximately six to eight months later, due to problems discovered during the testing of the new software.
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Most Recent ACE Efforts Have Focused on M1
CBP states that it has been working diligently to execute an ambitious ACE development schedule. Most recent efforts have focused on the testing of M1, which will allow vessel and rail carriers to use ACE when submitting advance cargo information.
The primary driver for the schedule delay is problems discovered during software testing. Another contributing factor has been the addition of new requirements to the project.
Mindful of the critical role of these capabilities to both the government and the trade community, CBP is delaying deployment to ensure M1 is thoroughly tested and functioning properly.
ACE A2.2 Entry Summary Capabilities to Also be Delayed
As a result of the M1 schedule slip, the deployment of initial ACE entry summary capabilities (ESAR A2.2) is no longer projected for early 2009, but for four to six months later.
CBP is Determining the Impact These Delays Will Have on Entire ACE Schedule
CBP is in the process of determining the impact these delays will have on the entire ACE schedule. CBP senior management has ordered an independent review of ACE to ensure that everything possible is being done to continue the successful deployment of new capabilities.
In the near future, a new ACE release schedule will be published. This schedule will show that the Cargo Release portion of ACE has been moved to a higher priority. The Cargo Release portion of ACE is critical to many of the participating government agencies CBP is working with as part of the International Trade Data System process.
(See ITT's Online Archives or 06/12/08 news, 08061205, for BP summary announcing that trade testing for M1 would begin no sooner than September 2008, with links to other M1 notices.
See ITT's Online Archives or 06/17/08 news, 08061710, for BP summary of a CBP fact sheet on upcoming ACE ESAR features, including ESAR A2.2.)
CBP Contact- Cargo Systems Program Office cbpcspo@cbp.dhs.gov
CSMS message (08-000128, dated 07/25/08) available at http://apps.cbp.gov/csms/viewmssg.asp?Recid=17138&page=&srch_argv=08-000128&srchtype=all&btype=&sortby=&sby