ATF Outlines Its Future ACE Interface for Firearms/Defense Articles Imports
The International Trade Data System has issued a notice regarding the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives' future ACE interface.
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(ATF is the only federal agency that processes applications to permanently import firearms, ammunition, and implements of war into the U.S. ATF has licensed approximately 800 entities to permanently import firearms, ammunition and implements of war into the U.S. In 2008, ATF's Firearms and Explosives Imports Branch received in excess of 9,000 applications for the permanent importation of defense articles.)
Most Applications Submitted on Paper, ATF's Current Electronic Interface Has Technical Limitations
Applications to import are currently submitted by mail or by an electronic interface available to commercial importers at ATF's website. Most importers continue to use the paper-based system because of technical limitations to data that can be transmitted via the ATF web application. Some applications include hundreds of descriptive line items that must be entered onto continuation pages of paper applications or keyed into the electronic version by applicants.
Hard Copy of Approved Applications Mailed Back to Applicant for CBP Entry Filing
Once an application is approved, it is mailed in hard copy back to the applicant, who must include it with the entry paperwork filed with U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The importer then must re-key the line items of authorized articles onto an ATF import release form so that CBP can certify the release to ATF and mail a hard copy of the release form back to ATF. The entire process can take many weeks to complete, even for the small percentage of applications submitted to ATF electronically.
Future ACE Interface Would Give CBP Direct Access to ATF System
ATF states that it hopes to develop and implement an interface with ACE that will reduce the dependency on paper documentation. Through this interface, the trade would file for CBP release electronically.
CBP would have direct access to the ATF system to verify that the goods sought for release were approved for importation by ATF. Once CBP authorized release, its certified copy of the release documentation could be electronically submitted to ATF.
Functionality improvements for the trade would include the ability to electronically submit attachments with the import permit applications and release documents. ATF anticipates that the trade would be able to greatly reduce the amount of time it takes to file permit applications and clear entries.
(CBP and ATF officials have worked closely over the past five years to define requirements and to develop a system that will streamline the import process while enhancing compliance with the import laws and regulations that both agencies are charged with enforcing. Many branches within ATF currently utilize the ACE Portal for a variety of compliance and intelligence functions.)
ITDS notice (posted 09/03/09) http://www.itds.gov/linkhandler/itds/news/firearm_import.ctt/firearm_import.pdf