CBP Updates its Comprehensive FAQ on ACE
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has posted an updated version of its comprehensive document on the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) entitled "ACE Frequently Asked Questions."
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CBP notes that very few problems that users encounter are entirely new. This FAQ collects numerous often-asked questions and answers about the ACE system and its application into a single document.
New Sections Added on CSMS and CCR
CBP's updated ACE FAQ was revised to include new sections on the Cargo Systems Messaging Service (CSMS) and Cargo Control and Release (CCR).
CSMS. CSMS is CBP's means of delivering information on its Automated Commercial Trade Interface Systems and is composed of a message database and an electronic mailing service. The following ten subject areas (or message groups) are available via CSMS: Automated Broker Interface (ABI); ACE outreach events; ACE portal accounts; ACE reports; air, ocean, rail, and truck manifest; cuentes en el portal de ACE; transportistas de camion.
The ACE FAQ provides answers to the following CSMS questions (partial list): how do I enroll in CSMS; where can I access the CSMS database; is there another way to receive CBP-issued messages; why am I not receiving the full text of the CSMS e-mail message; and are there messages available in Spanish.
CCR. CCR has been described as the ACE delivery that will provide the Manifest and Release functions.
The FAQ provides answers to the following CCR questions (partial list): what is the current state of manifest processing in CBP's Automated Manifest System (AMS) today; what is the scope of Multi-Modal Manifest (MMM) functionality in ACE, and what does it mean to the trade community; within ACE, what is the objective of the CCR deliveries; within ACE, what is the realization of the full MMM Database; etc.
Expanded Section on ESAR Releases
The section on Entry Summary, Accounts, and Revenue (ESAR) has been expanded to include information on ESAR A2.2 (Initial Entry Summary Types) and A2.3 (Remaining Entry Summary Types). (Previously, the ACE FAQ only provided details on ESAR A1.)
(ESAR A1 was deployed in September 2007. As of June 2008, ESAR A2.2 capabilities were scheduled to be delivered incrementally beginning in early 2009; ESAR A2.3 was scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2009 and be phased in through 2nd quarter 2010. However, CBP recently announced that due to problems discovered during testing of the M1 release, M1 would be delayed until April or June 2009. As a result of the M1 schedule slip, the deployment of ESAR A2.2 is no longer projected for early 2009, but four to six months later.
See ITT's Online Archives or 06/04/08 news, 08060415, for BP summary of CBP's report to Congress on ACE, with an ACE development schedule. See ITT's Online Archives or 07/28/08 news, 08072805, for BP summary on CBP's delay of ESAR A2.2, etc.)
Questions Added and Deleted
The updated FAQ removes multiple questions and includes additional questions in sections throughout the document.
FAQ Questions are Divided into Thirteen Categories
CBP states that the questions are divided into thirteen categories for ease of reference:
Systems Background
Automated Broker Interface (ABI)
General
Application
Cargo System Messaging Service
Portal Usage - Significant Activities Log (SAL)
Portal Usage - Bond
Carriers - General Information
e-Manifest Information
Entry Summary, Accounts, and Revenue
Periodic Monthly Statement (PMS)
Reports
Cargo Control and Release
(See ITT's Online Archives or 12/27/06 news, 06122705, for BP summary of CBP's original FAQ. See ITT's Online Archives or 10/09/07 news, 07100910, for BP summary of the previous updated version of CBP's ACE FAQ.
See ITT's Online Archives or 07/11/08 news, 08071135 4, for previous BP summary announcing the availability of this updated FAQ.)
CBP updated ACE FAQ (dated June 2008, 126 pages) available at http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/trade/automated/modernization/ace/ace_faq.ctt/ace_faq.pdf