CBP's Document Imaging Targeted to Deploy in Summer 2011
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has issued the March 2011 ACE Trade Account Owner Update, which includes information on the deployment of the ACE Document Image System (DIS), including its timeframe for moving from testing to deployment.
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(CBP has stated that DIS will facilitate the automated submission of imaged documents and specific data by participating trade partner to CBP and Participating Government Agencies (PGAs) via Electronic Data Interchange (EDI). The electronically submitted documents will be processed and securely stored by CBP.)
CBP Conducting Preliminary DIS Testing with Trade, Getting More PGAs Onboard
CBP is currently conducting preliminary testing activities with trade participants to ensure proper format and receipt of electronic messages to DIS. In addition, efforts are ongoing to onboard additional PGAs.
(According to a February 2011 ACE update by CBP, the agency was scheduled to move images to FDA within 3 months and move on to the next phase (Phase 2) of DIS deployment. Phase 2 will establish connectivity with ACE functionality for an expanded list of PGAs. It will establish additional links from the ACE portal to document imaging storage. CBP estimated that this phase would be completed in 6 months of February. See ITT’s Online Archives or 03/02/11 news, 11030243, for BP summary.)
CBP Deciding on Whether DIS Will Only be Accepted for ACE Entry Summaries
CBP states that the decision as to whether imaged documents will only be accepted for ACE Entry Summaries has not been made. CBP will notify the trade as soon as the policy decision is made.
DIS Deployment Targeted for Summer 2011, Benefits Listed
Deployment is targeted for summer 2011.
According to CBP, DIS will (1) expedite cargo release and examination; (2) allow nationwide visibility of documents by CBP and PGAs; (3) facilitate a quicker review process; (4) provide a central repository for documents submitted by the trade; and (5) reduce the time and cost surrounding paper processes.
(See ITT’s Online Archives or 03/31/11 news, 11033114, for BP summary of the TAO update on the ACE Cargo Release. See future issues of ITT for BP summaries of the TAO update on Importer Security Filing reports for C-TPAT members, Post Summary Correction functionality, etc.
See ITT’s Online Archives or 12/28/10 news, 10122820, for BP summary of CBP officials discussing DIS at a webinar.)