CBP to Push Documents to PGAs Using DIS in August
During recent trade events1, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials discussed the ACE Document Image System (DIS), and stated that the agency plans to push imaged documents received from the trade to Participating Government Agencies (PGAs) by August 2011. This will facilitate a single automated gateway that will accept supporting documents that may be needed during the cargo importation and entry summary processes.
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(DIS will facilitate the automated submission of documents and specific data by trade participants to CBP. Transmitted documents will be processed and securely stored by CBP, and made available for review by CBP and PGAs via the DIS application.)
DIS is 1 of the Top 3 ITDS Priorities
The International Trade Data System (ITDS) Board has designated the DIS as one of the three priorities recommended to help PGAs meet their needs and get them back on track with ACE/ITDS. The other two priorities are the PGA message set and PGA interoperability.
(See ITT’s Online Archives or 04/25/11 news, 11042515, for BP summary of CBP saying the PGA message set for cargo is scheduled to finalized in April 2011. See ITT’s Online Archives or 04/26/11 news, 11042626, for BP summary of CBP saying that it expects the final PGA interoperability plan in April 2011.)
CBP Plans to Push Document Images to PGAs by August 2011
CBP created a link in the ACE Portal to allow CBP and the PGAs to access DIS for imaged documents received from the trade in March 2011. DIS testing was scheduled to begin in April 2011. As of March 26, 2011 a small segment of PGA users were given access to DIS via the ACE Portal. CBP’s testing efforts continue. (CBP previously stated that it would test DIS with the EPA, FDA, CPSC, and the State Department.)
CBP plans to use the XML schema to push these imaged documents and the corresponding “meta-data” to PGAs by August 2011 (see below for details of XML schema and meta-data).
(CBP previously stated that DIS deployment was targeted for summer 2011 and that it was conducting preliminary testing activities with trade participants. CBP also stated that it had not yet made the decision on whether DIS would only be accepted for ACE entry summaries and would notify the trade as soon as the policy decision was made. See ITT’s Online Archives or 03/31/11 news, 11033120, for BP summary.)
DIS to Use XML Schema, Will Include Meta-Data Elements
DIS will use the XML schema,2 which was defined through close coordination with trade users. This allows for the trade to submit documents via secure FTP, secure web services, or an existing ABI MQ mechanism.
The XML message set contains meta-data, which is data submitted by the trade that is used to support a transmitted document. These meta-data elements will be used to (1) search for specific documents within DIS; (2) further describe a transmitted document; and (3) provide specific transactional references for that document (entry summary, bill, etc.).
Meta-data elements can be common throughout all documents transmitted (i.e., document ID, sender ID, message number, date/time). Meta-data can be unique to a specific type of document (invoice number, invoice line number, surety code, agent ID).
List of Initial Documents Supported by DIS
According to CBP, the following is a list of initial documents that are supported by DIS:
CBP:
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Invoice Worksheet
- Single Transaction Bond (Act Type 1)
- Importer Security Filing (ISF) Bond (Act Type 16)
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):
- Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Import Certification Form
- EPA Pesticide Label
- EPA 3520-21 --Importation of Motor Vehicles and Engines Subject to Fed Air Pollution Regs (off road)
- EPA 3520-21 -- Importation of Motor Vehicles and Engines Subject to Fed Air Pollution Regs (on road)
- EPA 3540-1 -- Notice of Arrival of Pesticides and Devices
- Pre-approved Vehicle/Engine Exemption Letter
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS):
- APHIS Ingredients List
- APHIS Animal Health Certificate
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA):
- Fisheries Certificate of Origin (NOAA 370)
- Toothfish Pre-Approval Form
DIS Benefits Include Single Window Submissions, Expedite Cargo Release
CBP notes that the following are benefits of DIS:
- Expedite the release and/or examination of imported cargo
- Initiate single window submissions from Trade to CBP/PGAs
- Provide document review status and report capabilities
- Provide CBP and PGAs with nationwide visibility of documents
- Provide a central repository for documents submitted by the trade
- Reduce time and cost surrounding paper processes
1The April 3-6 NCBFAA conference, April 12 COAC meeting, and April 13-14 Annual CBP Trade Symposium.
2A schema is a structured framework or outline identifying elements, control format, and layout structure of the data that is being transmitted.
(See ITT’s Online Archives or 12/28/10 news, 10122820, for BP summary of CBP officials discussing DIS at a webinar.
See ITT’s Online Archives or 12/21/10 news, 10122124, for BP summary of the Trade Support Network’s plans to submit to CBP its DIS “wish list” in January 2011.
See ITT’s Online Archives or 11/18/10 news, 10111824, for BP summary of details on CBP’s DIS from the November 9, 2010 COAC meeting, as well as information presented at a TSN press call.)